Injury Rates and Patterns in High School Versus College Wrestlers

High school and college wrestlers suffer injuries second only to football players. In an effort to prevent and reduce wrestling injuries, the overall rates and patterns of injuries must be collected. Trends in injuries can be determined with studies repeated over a period of years.

In this study, data on wrestling-related injuries was collected for one academic year. Both high school and college wrestlers were included. The goal was to calculate and compare rates of injuries between these two groups. Risk factors for injuries were also compared.

Data from national Internet-based surveys was used from the 2005-2006 school year. Two reporting systems were included: the High School Reporting Information Online (RIO) and the NCAA Injury Surveillance System (ISS).

All injuries occurred during practice or matches. Medical care was required. And the wrestler was unable to wrestle for one or more days after the injury.

Data on the rate and type of skin infections was also collected since these make up a large number of adverse events that occur with wrestling. Here's what they found:

  • The overall injury rate was higher in college than in high school
    wrestlers
  • The injury rate was higher in matches than in practices
  • The skin infection rate was higher in college than in high school
  • Sprains and strains made up half of all high school and college
    injuries
  • The most common high school injuries affected the shoulder and knee
  • The most common college injuries involved the shoulder and head and
    face.
  • Skin infections were more common in college wrestling. In both groups
    the head and face were affected most often.

    For wrestlers at all levels, takedown and sparring (mock combat) were the activities most likely to cause injury. Other events leading to injury included escape, falls, or near-falls. Illegal actions are more likely to cause concussions over other types of injuries.

    The authors point out that college matches last one minute longer than high school matches. This may account for the fact that the injury rate in college wrestling is three times higher than in high school.

    Studies like this one show that there is an increasing number and severity of wrestling injuries. This information may help bring about rule and equipment changes to reduce injuries. The authors provide many suggestions for ways coaches, referees, and players can work to prevent injuries and reduce the transmission of skin infections.



    References: Ellen E. Yard, MPH, et al. An Epidemiologic Comparison of High School and College Wrestling Injuries. In The American Journal of Sports Medicine. January 2008. Vol. 36. No. 1. Pp. 57-64.

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