Abstract

Introduction. Sports injuries represent the most significant adverse consequences of sports activities and a common reason for non performance and non participation at sport events. This study investigated the pattern of sports injuries and physiotherapy interventions during the 23rd Nigerian University Games (NUGA).
Material and Method. A retrospective case charts review of incidences of sports injuries recorded at the 23rd NUGA held between March 16th to 27th 2011 at the University of Benin was carried out. Data were gleaned on age, sex, type of sport, type of injury, anatomical location affected and physiotherapy intervention received. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics.
Results. Sports injuries constituted 51.5% (188/365) of all reported medical conditions with a female to male ratio of 1:1.7. Football had the highest incidence (20.2%) of sports injuries followed by athletics (13.8%). Soft tissue injuries were prevalent in both contact (79.3%) and non-contact (82.1%) sports. The most injured anatomical parts were the head 22 (18.2%) and knee joints 17 (14.0%) in contact sports; the knee 14 (21.2%) and ankle 9 (13.6%) joints in non-contact sports. Cryotherapy was the mainstay of physiotherapy for sports injuries (47.2%) and was mostly in combination with soft tissue massage and bandaging (13.8%). Conclusion. Sports injuries were common medical conditions in the Nigerian University Games and it constitutes a significant burden for physiotherapy interventions. The observed sports injuries profile are consistent with most epidemiological reports. Advocacy for policy to minimize injuries and institutionalize physiotherapy interventions at subsequent NUGA is warranted.