Cross-Sectional Investigation of Stress Fractures in German Elite Triathletes

Language
en
Document Type
Article
Issue Date
2020-01-14
First published
2019-04-15
Issue Year
2019
Authors
Neidel, Pauline
Wolfram, Petra
Hotfiel, Thilo
Engelhardt, Martin
Koch, Rainer
Lee, Geoffrey
Zwingenberger, Stefan
Editor
Publisher
MDPI
Abstract

Triathlon is a popular sport for both recreational and competitive athletes. This study investigated the rates and patterns of stress fractures in the German national triathlon squad. We developed a web-based retrospective questionnaire containing questions about the frequency of stress fractures, anatomic localisation and associated risk factors. The survey was conducted as an explorative cross-sectional study. Eighty-six athletes completed the questionnaire. Twenty athletes (23%) sustained at least one stress fracture. All documented stress fractures were located in the lower extremities. Factors associated with a higher risk for stress fractures were female gender, competitive sport prior to triathlon career, Vitamin D or iron deficiency, menstrual disturbances and a high number of annual training hours. Disseminating knowledge among athletes and their professional community in order to raise awareness about early symptoms and relevant risk factors could help to improve prevention and reduce the incidence of stress fractures.

Journal Title
Sports
Volume
7
Issue
4
Citation
Sports 7.4 (2019). <https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/7/4/88>
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