Floorball‐related eye injuries: The impact of protective eyewear

Several previous studies have shown that floorball belongs to a high‐risk group of sports in terms of eye injuries. Protective eyewear is available, but the extent of its use and impact on eye injuries are unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the current incidence of eye injuries caused by floorball and to compare it with the present use of protective eyewear. Medical records were used to identify all eye injuries suffered while playing floorball in Jönköping County from 2008 to 2011 (N = 167). All these patients were sent a questionnaire that included inquiries about the use of protective eyewear. The study shows that floorball caused more eye injuries than all other sports combined (56%). Prolonged decreased visual acuity was very unusual (0.5%), but moderate eye injuries with some risk of future problems were seen in 62% of the sample. More than one fifth of the injured patients reported some kind of vision‐related problem 2–7 years after the original injury. Only one player had been using protective eyewear at the time of injury. Our results underline the importance of protective eyewear to prevent floorball‐related injuries.     

Incidence and severity of reported acute sports injuries in 35 sports using insurance registry data

Acute injuries in sport are still a problem where limited knowledge of incidence and severity in different sports at national level exists. In Sweden, 80% of the sports federations have their mandatory injury insurance for all athletes in the same insurance company and injury data are systematically kept in a national database. The aim of the study was to identify high‐risk sports with respect to incidence of acute and severe injuries in 35 sports reported to the database. The number and incidences of injuries as well as injuries leading to permanent medical impairment (PMI) were calculated during 2008–2011. Each year approximately 12 000 injuries and 1 162 660 licensed athletes were eligible for analysis. Eighty‐five percent of the injuries were reported in football, ice hockey, floorball, and handball. The highest injury incidence as well as PMI was in motorcycle, handball, skating, and ice hockey. Females had higher risk of a PMI compared with males in automobile sport, handball, floorball, and football. High‐risk sports with numerous injuries and high incidence of PMI injuries were motorcycle, handball, ice hockey, football, floorball, and automobile sports. Thus, these sports ought to be the target of preventive actions at national level.     

Ocular sports injuries: the current picture

Objectives—To determine the recent incidence of eye injury due to sport in Scotland, identify any trend, and establish which sports are responsible for most injury? The type of injury and final visual outcome is also evaluated. Methods—A prospective observational study of ocular injuries sustained during sport was performed over a one year period. Only patients requiring hospital admission were included. Data were collected on a standardised proforma and entered into a central database. Patients were followed up for at least three months. Results—Of 416 patients admitted because of ocular injury, 52 (12.5%) resulted from playing a sport. Although all racquet sports together accounted for 47.5% of these injuries, football was the single most common sport associated with ocular trauma, being responsible for 32.5% of cases. The most common clinical finding was macroscopic hyphaema occurring in 87.5% of patients. Overall the final visual acuity was 6/6 in 92.5% of patients. Conclusions—The incidence of eye injury due to sport at 12.5% is lower than previously reported, suggesting a change in the pattern of ocular trauma. Football is the single most common cause of ocular injury from sport in Scotland, but the wearing of protective headgear would be difficult to instigate. The incidence of hyphaema in sport related ocular trauma (87.5%) is almost double that of all ocular injury (47.8%), so the potential for serious visual loss as the result of a sports injury should not be underrated. Ophthalmologists have a role in protecting this young population at risk by actively encouraging the design and use of protective eyewear. Key Words: eye injury; ocular trauma; hyphaema; protective eyewear     

Eye injuries in sports

In a retrospective study from 1988 to 1998, eye injuries were found in 553 patients. Seventy-six (13.7%) of these injuries were associated with sport. The mechanism of trauma was for the most part a ball (71.1%) or a club (13.2%). Most eye injuries occurred in soccer (35.5%), which is, by far, the most widespread sport in this region of Norway. A disproportionately high number of the injuries occurred in floorball (17.1%), bandy (13.2%), and squash (10.5%). The rules in these sports may, in theory, be strict enough to prevent eye injuries in most cases. However, these rules are often neglected in informal activities. Strategies for educating the general public about the potentially serious effect of eye injuries in sports exposed to such risk are of great importance.     

Injury risk in female floorball: a prospective one-season follow-up

The purpose of this prospective study was to examine the incidence, nature, causes, and severity of injuries in female floorball. Three hundred and seventy-four licensed female floorball players from Finnish top leagues were observed prospectively for one season (6 months). The practice and game hours of floorball were recorded on an exercise diary. All injuries were registered with a structured questionnaire and verified by a physician. During the study period, 133 out of the 374 (35%) players sustained 172 injuries. The injury incidence was 1.8 per 1000 practice hours and 40.3 per 1000 game hours. Of all injuries, 70% were traumatic and 30% were from overuse. The most common injury type was joint sprain (27%). The most commonly injured sites were the knee (27%) and ankle (22%). Twenty-one of the knee injuries (46%) were serious including 10 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures. Eight of ACL ruptures occurred during floorball games, giving an ACL rupture incidence of 3.6 per 1000 game hours. Eleven injuries (6%) needed hospital admission. The study attested that injury rate in floorball game is very high. Injury prevention strategies in female floorball should be targeted at injuries occurring at the knee and ankle.     

Injuries in Swedish floorball: a cost analysis

The epidemiology of sport injuries is well documented. However, the costs are rarely discussed. Previous studies have presented such costs in specific sports or localization. No study has investigated the costs related to injuries in elite floorball. Thus, the aim of this study was to estimate cost of injuries in Swedish elite floorball players. During 1 year, 346 floorball players were prospectively followed. All time‐loss injures were recorded. The injured players were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their costs tied to the injury. Mean costs were calculated by multiplying the total resource use with the collected unit costs and dividing these total costs with the number of injuries as well as players. The results showed that the average cost per injury increased with the level of severity and ranged from 332 to 2358 Euros. The mild and moderate overuse injuries were costlier than the corresponding traumatic injuries. However, the severe traumatic injuries were associated with higher costs than overuse injuries. Knee injuries were the costliest. Our results indicate that there are costs to be saved, if floorball injuries can be avoided. They should be of interest to decision makers deciding whether to invest in preventive interventions.     

Head and face injuries in scholastic women's lacrosse with and without eyewear.

PURPOSE: The use of protective equipment has been absent or inconsistent in scholastic women's lacrosse leading to increasing concern for eye and head injury. There is a paucity of field data, however, on which to base strategic decisions on how best to prevent head injuries in young athletes. METHODS: This study examined the effects of protective eyewear on injury rates in scholastic women's lacrosse in a cohort of approximately 700 varsity and junior varsity players in central New York studied prospectively for 2 yr during a transition from sparse to almost complete eyewear use. RESULTS: The overall head/face injury rate was 0.71 injuries per 1000 exposures (games and practices) and was 16.5% lower in goggle wearers. In games alone, where more aggressive play and stick use prevails, the rate associated with protective eyewear use was markedly lower (51%). Considering specific regions, the rates for peri-orbit and forehead injuries among goggle users were substantially lower than for nonusers (6% and 13%, respectively). Cheek and scalp injury rates tended to be higher among goggle wearers, but not statistically significantly so. Significant compensatory increases with goggle wear at other sites were not observed. Only a few injuries appeared to be mediated by the goggles themselves and potentially could have been more serious if the goggles had not been present. No direct eye (orbit) injuries were reported throughout the study period. CONCLUSION: On balance, then, the use of eyewear in women's lacrosse appears to be beneficial when users are compared with nonusers.     

Unprotected eyes in squash: not seeing the risk of injury

The use of appropriate eyewear in squash can protect the eyes against injury. However, few adult squash players adequately protect their eyes against potential severe injuries. We describe the characteristics of non-users of protective eyewear and examine predictors of appropriate eyewear use. Self-report surveys of adult players were conducted in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. Information on players' knowledge, behaviours and attitudes associated with protective eyewear use was collected, in addition to player demographic data. Appropriate eyewear was defined as Standards-approved polycarbonate lens eyewear. The majority 92.2% of players did not adequately protect their eyes while playing squash. Significant predictors of reported eyewear use were: previous eye injury: playing squash on average more than 2 hr per wk: having played for more than 20 y; and having more favourable attitudes towards eye safety in squash. The significant predictors of appropriate eyewear use were: being female; previous eye injury; playing squash on average more than 2 hr per week; and having more favourable attitudes towards eye safety in squash. Understanding the characteristics of both users and non-users of appropriate eye protection in squash is essential for informing future prevention strategies.     

A prospective study of injuries in licensed floorball players

Injuries occuring among 457 licensed floorball players in teh Swedish National League were analysed prospectively during the season from 1993 to 1994. Fifty-one (11%) players sustained 58 injuries. The majority (76%) of the injuries were due to trauma mostly during the game (55%). Twenty-three (52%) of the traumatic injuries were caused by an opponent or a stick. Ankle sprain (35%) was the most common diagnosis. Injury severity classified with regard to time of absence from sport participation were similarly distributed for minor (36%), moderate (29%) and major (35%) injuries. The total rate of injury was 2.5 per 1000 hours for female and 2.6 for male players. Although this rate is lower than for contact sports like soccer and ice-hockey, we feel that further investigation of floorball injuries and improvement of protection devices would be valuable.     

Protective eyewear promotion: applying principles of behaviour change in the design of a squash injury prevention programme

Eye injuries in squash have the potential to be severe. Although these injuries can be prevented through the use of protective eyewear, few players wear such eyewear. The aim of this paper is to outline the behavioural principles guiding the design of a squash eyewear promotion initiative, the Protective Eyewear Promotion (PEP). Ecological principles of behaviour change were used to provide a comprehensive perspective on intrapersonal factors, policies and physical environmental influences of protective eyewear use. Results of baseline player surveys and venue manager interviews were used to provide relevant and specific intervention content. At baseline, protective eyewear was not found to be readily available, and players' behaviours, knowledge and attitudes did not favour its use. The main components of PEP involved informing and educating both players and squash venue operators of the risk of eye injury and of appropriate protective eyewear, as well as assisting with the availability of the eyewear and offering incentives for players to use it. A structural strength of PEP was the strong collaborative links with the researchers of different disciplines, the squash governing body, eyewear manufacturers, squash venue personnel, as well as players. Attempts were made within the project structure to make provision for the future dissemination and sustainability of more widespread eye injury prevention measures in the sport of squash.     

Work-related injuries from mandatory fitness training among Swedish firemen

A considerable amount of employees incur injuries in professions with mandatory on-duty fitness training. The training is necessary for maintaining a good health status, physical condition and strength in professions requiring such qualities. Injuries in Swedish firemen from on-duty fitness training between 1992 and 1998 were selected retrospectively from the Information System of Occupational Injuries (ISA) at the National Board of Occupational Safety and Health and, if having caused a sick-leave exceeding 2 weeks, to the Labour Market Insurance (AMF Insurance). The latter comprised injuries from 1995 only. During the seven-year period 1,468 injuries from fitness training occurred in male firemen. With an estimated 147 h per man and year the injury incidence was 2.6 per 10,000 h of exposure. The mean number of days of absence from work was 24.1 days (SD 39.8). In 1995, the mean cost per injury for medical treatment was close to 7,000 Euro and for production loss almost 4,500 Euro. By far the major part of the injuries, 75 %, occurred during team and contact sports (primarily floorball and soccer) and this sport category also accounted for 83% of the medical costs and 78% of the costs for production loss. It is suggested that a restriction of team and contact sports as mandatory on-duty fitness training for firemen should be tested and evaluated concerning the injury incidence.     

Incidence, nature and causes of floorball injuries

During 1990 and 1991, 9% of all sports injuries that required emergency care at the University Hospital of Umeå were caused by floorball. Seventy-eight per cent of the injuries were minor (AIS 1) and 21% were moderate (AIS 2). Sprains of the ankle and knee joints were most frequent, constituting 30% and 11% of all injuries, respectively. Licensed players were affected in 14% of all floorball injuries, and 61% of these injuries occurred during a game. We found no difference in severity or type of injuries between licensed players and recreational players. Our data show that the number of floorball injuries is increasing and that the majority of these injuries are of minor severity.     

Incidence and body location of reported acute sport injuries in seven sports using a national insurance database

Sports with high numbers of athletes and acute injuries are an important target for preventive actions at a national level. Both for the health of the athlete and to reduce costs associated with injury. The aim of this study was to identify injuries where injury prevention should focus, in order to have major impact on decreasing acute injury rates at a national level. All athletes in the seven investigated sport federations (automobile sports, basketball, floorball, football (soccer), handball, ice hockey, and motor sports) were insured by the same insurance company. Using this insurance database, the incidence and proportion of acute injuries, and injuries leading to permanent medical impairment (PMI), at each body location, was calculated. Comparisons were made between sports, sex, and age. In total, there were 84 754 registered injuries during the study period (year 2006‐2013). Athletes in team sports, except in male ice hockey, had the highest risk to sustain an injury and PMI in the lower limb. Females had higher risk of injury and PMI in the lower limb compared to males, in all sports except in ice hockey. This study recommends that injury prevention at national level should particularly focus on lower limb injuries. In ice hockey and motor sports, head/neck and upper limb injuries also need attention.     

Sports injuries in floorball: a prospective one-year follow-up study

Two hundred and ninety-five licensed floorball players from Finnish premier to fifth division were observed prospectively for one season to study the incidence, nature, causes and severity of floorball injuries. During the study period, 100 out of the 295 (34 %) players sustained 120 injuries. Thirty-seven percent (73/199) of the male players and 28 % (27/96) of the females suffered from an injury. The injury rate was 1.0 per 1000 practice hours for both sexes. The injury rates per 1000 game hours were 23.7 for men and 15.9 for women. One hundred injuries (83 %) were acute and the remaining 20 (17 %) were overuse injuries. Sprain was the most common type of injury in men while overuse injuries were the most frequent injury type in women. The lower extremity was involved in 62 %, spine or trunk in 19 % and upper extremity in 10 % of the injuries. The most commonly injured sites were the knee and ankle (22 % and 20 % of all injuries), followed by head and neck (8 %). In both sexes the majority of injuries were minor, level II, injuries. Ten of the knee injuries (38 %) were serious, level IV injuries, of which seven were ACL ruptures. In conclusion, the individual risk of injury in floorball is relatively low in game practice while rather high during the game itself. Before initiation of clinical trials on prevention of floorball injuries, an exact knowledge of the risk factors and mechanisms of floorball injuries are needed.     

Eye injuries in sport: an increasing problem.

A prospective study of ocular injuries sustained during sport, was performed from January to June 1987. A total of 84 eye injuries were seen. Of these, 23 were severe enough to necessitate admission to hospital. These latter accounted for one quarter of all severe eye injuries during this period. Racquet sports caused 42% of the injuries, and 57% of the hospital admissions, including two penetrating injuries. The importance of sport in causing eye trauma is increasing. It is crucial to encourage safer play, including the wearing of adequate eye protection.     

军人眼外伤113例临床分析

目的　研究军人眼外伤的相关因素 ,探讨相应的防治措施。方法　对 1 1 3例 ( 1 3 7眼 )眼外伤住院军人的年龄、职别、致伤环境、致伤原因、就诊时间、主要致伤类型、受累组织、并发症及预后等进行总结和分析。结果　眼外伤患者占同期眼科总住院军人的 41 .85 %,均为男性 ,士兵居多 ,受伤地点多在工作训练场所 ,致伤原因以打击伤、钝器挫伤为主 ,就诊时间1/2h至 1 0d不等 ,致伤类型主要是睑裂伤、眼球钝挫伤、前房积血、视网膜震荡等 ,致盲率 2 0 .44%,眼球摘除 1眼。结论　眼外伤是军人主要致盲眼病之一 ,积极预防和采取及时治疗是关键。     

Ocular injuries in basketball and baseball: what are the risks and how can we prevent them?

Ocular trauma is a frequent result of sports-related injury during basketball and baseball. A screening sideline examination should be performed immediately to assess vision and evaluate the severity of damage. The team physician should be able to treat minor injuries and identify vision-threatening trauma for immediate referral. Injuries range from minor, including corneal abrasion and foreign bodies, to more severe, including hyphema, orbital fracture, and globe rupture. Resultant damage may be vision-threatening and permanent. Most of these injuries can be prevented with full-time use of sport-specific protective eyewear. Physicians should recommend appropriate eye protection and counsel patients accordingly.     

Injuries in intercollegiate women's lacrosse

BACKGROUND: Historically, the sport of women's lacrosse has required little or no protective equipment. Recently, there has been increasing concern over trauma to the face and head incurred during play. A rule change passed in spring 2003, during the course of this study, mandates goggles in 2005. PURPOSE: To survey injuries in women's lacrosse over multiple seasons and institutions and to categorize injury rates and patterns. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective survey. METHODS: A standard report-of-injury form was sent to participating institutions. Injuries were defined by athletic training staff as any event resulting in the athlete missing one or more games or practices. RESULTS: The overall injury rate for women's lacrosse for the 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 seasons from participating schools was 3.8 per 1000 athlete exposures. The rate of head and face injuries was 1.4 per 1000 athlete exposures, representing 38.5% of all injuries incurred. The rate of eye injuries was 0.43 per 1000 athlete exposures, accounting for 11.5% of the total injuries. The practice injury rate was 2.7 per 1000 athlete exposures, and the competition injury rate was 8.8 per 1000 athlete exposures. CONCLUSION: Data support the future requirements for protective eyewear. There is significant and increasing exposure for head and face trauma. Further investigation is needed to monitor injury patterns in women's lacrosse as rules for protective gear evolve.     

The public health impact of injury during sport and active recreation

Injuries can be an adverse outcome of participation in sport and recreational activities. The aim of this study was to determine the public health impact of injury during sports and active recreation injury in a select population in Australia. A random household telephone survey was conducted quarterly over a 12-month period in a well-defined geographic region, the Latrobe Valley, Australia. Information was collected on participation in sport and active recreation and associated injuries over the previous 2 weeks for all household members aged over 4 years. Injury rates were calculated per 10,000 population and per 1000 sports participants. Data were collected on 1084 persons from 417 households. Overall, 648 people reported participating in at least one sport or active recreation and 34 (5.2%, 95% CI: 4.8, 5.6%) of these sustained an injury during this activity. Overall, 51.4% of injured cases had a significant impact: 26.5% sought treatment, 34.4% had their activities of daily living adversely affected and 36.0% had their performance/participation limited. Cricket (51 injuries/10,000 population), horse riding (29/10,000 population) and basketball (25/10,000 population) had the highest injury rates. After adjusting for participation, cricket (242 injuries/1000 participants), horse riding (122/1000 participants) and soccer (107/1000 participants) had the highest injury rates. Cricket and soccer were the sports most associated with ‘significant’ injuries. Injury prevention efforts should be aimed at team ball sports (especially cricket, soccer and netball) because of their comparatively high rate of both overall and ‘significant’ injury.