A Report of the 2009 World Games Injury Surveillance of Individuals Who Voluntarily Used the International Federation of Sports Chiropractic Delegation

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to describe the frequency and nature of injuries treated by the International Federation of Sports Chiropractic (FICS) chiropractic health care delegation at the 2009 World Games in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.MethodsA cross-sectional study design with descriptive statistics was used to describe the standard patient care data recorded on FICS treatment forms of individuals voluntarily using FICS chiropractors. Data included patient demographics, region of the body, type of treatment provided, and pre- and posttreatment numerical pain levels.ResultsThe FICS chiropractors recorded 1514 treatments to athletes and support personnel. There were 445 (49%) athletes and 450 (51%) nonathletes receiving care. The total number of athletes participating at the 2009 World Games was 2906 plus 2812 support staff; thus, our utilization rates are 15.31% for athletes and 16.00% for nonathletes. Total treatments were 854 for athletes and 660 for nonathletes, including follow-up care. Treatments to 17 different body regions were recorded. The highest recorded athlete treatment region was the lumbar spine at 309 (36.18%), with thoracic spine and neck being treated 195 (22.83%) and 193 (22.60%) times, respectively. Chiropractic manipulations were administered to 583 (68.27%) of the athletes treated. Mobilizations were given to 209 (24.47%), whereas 640 (74.94%) received myotherapy and 205 (24.00%) had tape applied. Pre- and posttreatment pain scales revealed that approximately 94% of patients experienced immediate improvement.ConclusionThese results demonstrate the findings of voluntary chiropractic care at a world-class multisport competition.