Incidences et caractéristiques des blessures lors des Championnats internationaux d'athlétisme 2011Â et 2012

During an International Athletics Championship, 109 injuries per 1000 registered athletes have been reported, and almost half were time-loss injuries. These injuries involved preferentially thigh, leg or knee (with variations according to disciplines), affected more likely muscular and ligamentous structures, and overuse was the main cause. The combined events and marathon athletes have a higher risk of injury. Specific prevention measures should be adapted and developed, focused on muscle damage (especially hamstrings) and overuse injuries. These could include such things as muscle strengthening or balance exercises, flexibility, balance and proprioception, and taking into account suitable periods of fatigue and minor injuries, by adapted rest periods.