Faculty of Health Sciences
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Item The association between static biomechanical parameters and musculoskeletal injury in lower extremities in male recreational weight trainers(2022) Makada, Fahmeeda; Matkovich, GrantBackground: Anatomical alignment of the lower extremity has been proposed as a risk factor for acute and chronic lower extremity injuries such as ACL injuries, patellofemoral syndrome, and plantar fasciitis. Lower extremity malalignment influences the load distribution on the joints, mechanical efficiency of the muscles and proprioceptive orientation and feedback from the hip and knee, resulting in altered neuromuscular function and control of the lower extremities. During recreational weight training, the weight trainer performs exercises with gradual load on machines or free weights, aimed to improve their muscular condition, fitness, power, or performance in other sports. The weight trainer uses his own bodyweight or specialised forms of equipment such as barbells, dumbbells and resistance training machines to target specific muscle groups and to perform specific joint actions. Various intrinsic and extrinsic factors contribute to injury. Anatomical alignment – amongst others - is regarded as an intrinsic factor. Studies state that suggested risk factors for injuries include heavy loads in extreme joint positions, training frequency, intensity, volume, muscle strength, stability and foot morphology. Several studies have examined musculoskeletal injuries in specific weight training populations such as powerlifters, weightlifters and bodybuilders. Very few studies have investigated the recreational weight training population. The purpose of this study is to identify whether associations exist between the relevant biomechanical parameters and injury, to prevent or correct these abnormalities. Objectives: This study aimed to establish lower extremity static biomechanical parameters of the hip (flexion, extension and Craig’s test), knee (quadriceps angle and tibial torsion test), ankle (dorsiflexion, Feiss line, hindfoot, and forefoot alignment) and leg length discrepancy, and to establish if an association exists between the above- mentioned parameters and musculoskeletal injuries in the lower extremities in male recreational weight trainers. Method: 30 Male recreational weight trainers were recruited from fitness centres within the greater Durban area to the DUT Chiropractic clinic, where the assessment took place. Each participant was assessed for injury and static biomechanical measurements were taken. The statistical analysis was performed using Stata version 16. For normally distributed continuous variable the mean and 95% CI was done. Shapiro Wilk test was used to test for normality. For not normally distributed variables, median and interquartile range was performed. 15 participants were diagnosed as injured and 15 participants as uninjured. As the sample size of this study is small, Fisher’s exact test was used to evaluate the association between two categorical variables. Results: The statistical analysis was performed using Stata version 16. For normally distributed continuous variables the mean and 95% CI were done and Shapiro Wilk test was used to test for normality. For not normally distributed variables, median and interquartile range were performed. As the sample size of this study is small, Fisher’s exact test was used to test the association between two categorical variables. Prevalence of injury was thus 50%. In the injured population, 46.67% were acute and chronic injuries. 16.67% of injuries were traumatic and 33.3% were non-traumatic. Fisher’s exact test was used to see the association between biomechanical measurement and existence of injury. Accordingly, Fisher’s exact test with p-value 0.036 indicated that there was enough evidence of association between right quadriceps angle and injury. The injured participants were more likely to have a low right quadriceps angle. However, the rest of the biomechanical measurements have no association with injury Conclusion: The injured participants were more likely to have a low right quadriceps angle. The rest of the biomechanical measurements have no association with injury.Item An injury profile of musculoskeletal injuries in mountain bikers in the eThekwini Municipality(2022-09-29) Van Eck, Rochelle; Varatharajullu, DesireeBackground: Mountain biking is a sport that appeals to men and women who enjoy an adrenalin rush. It is practised on any terrain classified as ‘off-road’ such as gravel roads, sugar cane fields, farmland, mountainous areas, and forests. It involves riding over rough and tricky terrain with a mountain bike and has become a global phenomenon among many athletes of all fitness levels. The popularity of this sport has grown as it is well known for its health benefits, family participation, recreational enjoyment, its ability to enhance overall fitness, and the fact that it offers those who are driven opportunities to be highly competitive. However, as is the case with any competitive and recreational sport, mountain bikers are prone to suffering a unique set of injuries. Mountain bikers want to recover and get back on their bikes as soon as possible, but there is a paucity of literature on the injury profile of mountain bikers in South Africa, hence recovery strategies may not always have the desired results. Aim: The aim of this study was to establish the injury profile of the musculoskeletal injuries that mountain bikers sustain, with special focus on those enthusiasts in the eThekwini municipality of KwaZulu-Natal, while the risk factors associated with this sport were also explored. Methodology: Participants were recruited at cycling clubs, after training sessions when they gathered in coffee shops, and individually at mountain bike parks. Before completing the questionnaire, each participant was required to read a letter of information and sign an informed consent form. Informed consent and post-pilot study questionnaires were completed, gathered, and deposited into separate sealed boxes. Each questionnaire was given a code for statistical analysis before data were captured on a spreadsheet. Results: A total of 175 questionnaires were received and the data were statistically analysed. The results revealed that not applying any preventative measures when training for this sport was the main causative factor of injuries among mountain bikers in the eThekwini Municipality. The majority of the injuries occurred in white males between the ages of 45 to 50 years and in participants who practised this sport for more than 12 hours a week. The most common areas of the body that sustained injuries were shoulders, legs, knees, and wrists, while the most common types of injuries were bruises, cuts, and sprains. The predominant mechanisms that caused these injuries were falls and contact with stationary objects. Conclusion: The findings that emerged from the data were consistent with the literature on mountain biking, but it must be mentioned that the injuries that were described related to earlier studies that had been conducted among either international mountain bikers or road cyclists. The current study’s findings are distinctive of the eThekwini Municipal area in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Additional studies need to be conducted in other provinces of South Africa in order to create a more accurate injury profile associated with the mountain biking sport in this country.Item The prevalence, risk factors and management of musculoskeletal injuries in male amateur indoor soccer players in the eThekwini Municipality(2022-05-13) Nair, Caleb; Abdul-Rasheed, Ashura; Prince, Cleo KirstyBackground: Soccer is a popular sport played and viewed globally. Furthermore, indoor soccer has been gaining popularity, especially in South Africa. Investigating the prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal injuries associated with indoor soccer, creates an awareness among health practitioners and players, especially when there is limited literature on this sport. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries, the associated risk factors and effective management of musculoskeletal injuries in amateur male indoor soccer players in the eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa. Methodology: The study utilized a quantitative paradigm and a cross-sectional survey design. A total of 166 male participants, between the ages of 18 and 40 years, were recruited for this study. The sample population included amateur indoor soccer players from the eThekwini Municipality. The survey was distributed via links in which participants completed the survey. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 and exported into Microsoft Excel. Results: A total of 89 participants sustained musculoskeletal injuries due to indoor soccer. This resulted in a prevalence rate of 74.2% which indicates more than half of indoor soccer players sustain musculoskeletal injury. Muscle strains are seen as the most common injuries by accounting for 32.6% of the total injuries. The study further revealed that players are more likely to sustain an injury through twisting and turning playing mechanisms as 20.2% of injuries were sustained due to this mechanism of play. Playing with a chronic condition was regarded as a significant risk factor for musculoskeletal injuries. While 58.4% of injured participants implemented a management protocol, 38.5% utilized a home remedy as their management protocol. Conclusion: This study revealed that high musculoskeletal injury prevalence rate exists among amateur indoor soccer players, in the eThekwini Municipality. Male indoor soccer players are commonly prone to muscle strains and sprains with the knee being the most common site of injury. The twisting and turning playing mechanism utilized in indoor soccer appears to be a common mechanism that predisposes players to musculoskeletal injury. Players with chronic conditions should play with caution as chronic conditions may predispose players to injuries and exacerbate health conditions. Urgent measures are required to educate indoor soccer players on injuries and effective management as the results demonstrated high rates of injury and poor management protocols.Item Upper extremity work-related musculoskeletal injuries among chiropractic students at the Durban University of Technology(2021-05-27) Singh, Kyle Andrew; Padayachy, KeseriBackground: Chiropractic students the world over undergo rigorous training in manual therapy, specifically musculoskeletal manipulation and adjustment. These therapeutic modalities involve the use of the upper extremity to deliver its effects, usually with high velocity and force. This leaves the upper extremity vulnerable to injury, as a result of the repetitive and forceful nature of these manual techniques. Despite this risk, the research available on work-related musculoskeletal injuries of chiropractic students in South Africa is limited. This study aims to determine the prevalence of upper extremity work-related musculoskeletal injuries among chiropractic students at the Durban University of Technology, and selected risk factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal injuries. Method: The study design was a quantitative, descriptive, self-administered questionnaire study that used the total available population. The questionnaire was adapted from a similar study and included the use of a pilot study. The questionnaire had three sections: the first for demographic data, the second was applicable for any new injury to the upper extremity from work-related tasks, and the third was applicable for any old injuries to the upper extremity that were aggravated by work-related tasks. Prevalence was estimated using 95% confidence intervals. Factors associated with injury were assessed at univariate level, using Pearson’s chi-square tests and t-tests, and factors associated at the <0.1 level were selected as independent variables in a multiple logistic regression model to predict risk of injury. The odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were reported. A stepwise backward selection method, based on likelihood ratios, was used to arrive at a final model consisting only of statistically significant risk factors (p<0.05). Chi-square testing and cross-tabulations were performed on the use of dominant hand and injury. Results: Eighty-six chiropractic students (n=86) were eligible for the study, seventy-seven elected to participate in the study, giving a response rate of 93.9%. The period prevalence of upper extremity work-related musculoskeletal injuries was 59.7% (95% CI 47.93 to 70.57%). The most commonly injured areas were the wrist (60%), shoulder (20%) and hand (17%), with majority of the injuries involving the soft tissue structures: muscle/ tendon strain (42%), ligament sprain (17%) and tendinitis (17%). Most injuries occurred during adjustive procedures (74%) and ischemic compression (19%). None of the demographic variables showed a significant association with prevalence of injury, apart from a moderately non-significant association with year of study (p=0.080). The frequent use of electro-modalities (p=0.073) and temperature therapy (p=0.077) were suggestive of possible associations, however, were not statistically significant. The results showed no significant differences between frequency of adjustments and injury. Despite an absence of statistical significance, a trend was noted showing an increased likelihood of injury when adjusting with the dominant hand. Conclusion: The study findings are consistent with those of similar international and local studies on the chiropractic profession (both academic training and professional), determining a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal injuries. The wrist was most commonly injured when performing adjustive procedures with the dominant hand. This study is in response to a call for further investigation and will help in future efforts to develop an injury preventative strategy for chiropractic training institutions.Item A retrospective profile of musculoskeletal injuries of ultra-endurance triathletes in South Africa(2019) Momberg, Courtney Dean; Matkovich, GrantAim The aim of this study was to determine the injury profile of ultra-endurance triathletes in South Africa. Background An ultra-endurance triathlon comprises a combination of swimming, cycling and running; the distances covered are a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and a 42.2km run all in succession. Ultra-endurance triathlon has grown in popularity since its inception in the 1970s. However, there is insufficient data relating to injuries in the South African context especially related to age and gender. Methods This Institutional Research Ethics Committee of the Durban University of Technology approved study included 100 active members of My Training Day and ultra-endurance triathletes associated with My Training Day that were training and taking part in the 2017 South African ultra-endurance triathlon (2017 South African Ironman Race). After signing the informed consent form and letter of information, participants completed an online questionnaire on training and injury profiles. All data captured was anonymous and confidential. Data was described using frequency tables for categorical data and summary statistics for continuous data. Odds ratios were reported and a p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. For triathletes reporting injuries, linear regression was used for factors associated with injury severity. Results Questionnaires were returned by 86 ultra-endurance triathletes, of which 71 were deemed viable giving a response rate of 71%. The past and periodic (day of the race) prevalence of ultra-endurance triathlon-related musculoskeletal injury was 46.5% and 9.85% respectively. The most common site of injury in the year leading up to the 2017 ultra-endurance race was the posterior compartment of the lower limb, being the hamstring / calf (36.4%), while there was an equal split of injuries on race day with the shoulder, hamstring / calf, knee / quadriceps region all having the same percentage (28.6%). Of the 71 participants 66.2% were male and 33.8% were female. The most common age group was 30 to 34 years (25.7%). The majority of the participants started participating in ultra-endurance triathlons between 24 and 29 years of age (32.4%). There was no significant difference in age between those who had injuries prior to the event and those who did not (p = 0.079). There was no statistically significant difference in prior injury prevalence between males and females (p = 0.395). There was a borderline non-significant difference indicating younger athletes were at higher risk for injury on race day (p = 0.069). Females had a higher risk of injury on race day (p = 0.039). Conclusions and recommendations The results concur with previous research and add further insight into factors predisposing triathletes to injury. The most common injuries require investigation to develop preventative interventions to reduce injuries in triathletes. Further research into age and gender interactions as risk factors for injury is needed in South Africa. Health professionals require education about ultra-endurance triathlon-related injuries to improve preventative and curative interventions.Item An investigation into the use of the Functional Movement Screen as a predictor of injury in CrossFit athletes in the eThekwini municipality(2018) Richardson, Michelle; Haswell, Garrick DavidBackground: CrossFit is a popular and unique exercise training programme and competition. Despite the popularity of this training programme there is a high incidence of injury amongst the athletes. The Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™) is a pre-participation assessment which grades seven tests which screen fundamental movement patterns of athletes to possibly predict future injury. No studies have successfully looked at the use of the FMS™ to predict injury in CrossFit athletes. Aims: The aim of this study is to establish the normative values of the FMS™, which have yet to be determined for CrossFit athletes, and to determine the use of these values as a predictor for future injury. Methods: The methodology included scoring 61 CrossFit athletes using the FMS™ one month prior the “United We Stand (UWS) Games 2017”. Additionally, the athletes were required to fill out a questionnaire which was used to assess for additional risk factors for injury. The athletes were thereafter tracked documenting CrossFit specific injury over the course of the one month training period that lead up to and included participation in the “UWS Games 2017” in order to compile a injury profile. The mean FMS™ was then compared to the injuries sustained. Results: The research sample revealed that the mean FMS™ score for CrossFit athletes was 17.73 out of 21. There was no significant link between the mean value when compared to the injury rates and this was therefore not a predictor of injury. There were significant findings that showed that using components of the FMS™ as a method of injury prediction in CrossFit athletes was possible; specifically, a low trunk stability push-up test score increased the likelihood of sustaining injury and previous injury negatively impacted the shoulder mobility test. Further findings suggested that Body Mass Index (BMI) negatively impacted the performance of the FMS™, and the boxes with which the athletes were affiliated, influenced the total FMS™ scores. The most common types of injuries recorded were joint dysfunction and muscle strain and the most common locations of injury were the shoulder, knee and lower back. Conclusions: Aspects of the FMS™ were a statistically significant predictor of injury in CrossFit athletes, specifically that of the shoulder mobility test and the trunk stability push-up test. Other findings concluded that factors such as the BMI and the box that athletes trained under influenced the FMS™ outcome. The normative value of 17.73 out of 21 for the FMS™ was provided as reference values for CrossFit athletes in order to assist with the interpretation of future scores when screening athletes.Item The prevalence of and risk factors associated with musculoskeletal injuries in mixed martial arts athletes in the greater Durban area(2016) Jack, Duncan Alexander; Haswell, GarrickBackground: Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a contact sport that has grown in popularity worldwide. MMA has been shown to be an activity that generates a high volume of injuries in its participants, especially when subjected to particular factors that are known to carry high risk in contact sports. Limited research has been conducted concerning the risk for injury development in MMA, with no South African statistics being produced to date. This study aims to bridge this gap. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors associated with musculoskeletal injuries in Mixed Martial Arts athletes in the greater Durban area of KwaZulu-Natal. Method: This study was a prospective, quantitative survey that sampled 105 MMA athletes from 16 accredited gyms in the greater Durban area. The information captured from the questionnaires enabled compilation of a fighter profile, training profile and injury profile assessing injuries present at the time of data collection and a history of injuries over a 12 month period. Data was analysed with SPSS version 23.0. Inferential techniques included the use of correlations and chi square test values, displayed as p-values and Eta scores. Relationships were considered significant with a p-value of <0.05 and an effect size of >0.23. Results: A 91% response rate was achieved with 83.3% male and 16.2% female participation. Overall, the most commonly injured areas were the upper extremity (36.5%), followed by the lower extremity (34.3%), spine (14.2%), head (8.6%) and trunk (6.5%) regions. In terms of single areas, the most common injuries were to the shoulder (30.9%), knee (29.2%) and elbow (14.4%). The most common injury types were joint sprains (31.1%), muscle strains (20.7%) and ligament tears (18.6%). The most common injury mechanisms were being struck (16.1%), falling (15.7%) and striking an opponent (13.6%). Participants were unsure of the mechanism of their injuries in 7.5% of the injury reports. The number of days missed from training due to injury ranged from zero to 270 days of incapacitation. Risk factors for injury were significant for favoring the dominant hand while fighting (p = 0.011), flexibility training/ stretching (p = 0.019), ground arm-bars (p = 0.014), ground strangles (p = 0.028), groundwork holds/pins (p = 0.028), falling (p = 0.006), increased age (η = 0,619) and increased body weight (η = 0.706). Participation in CrossFit as an additional sport/ conditioning program was a protective factor against injuries (p = 0.007). Conclusion and recommendations: Favouring one side, falling, stretching, arm-bars, strangles, pins and increasing weight are some of the largely modifiable risk factors that play an important role in the development of injuries in MMA athletes. Coaches and their athletes will benefit from adapting training strategies to reduce injury rates from over-exposure to activities that present a high risk of injury as well as by furthering the extent of exposure to conditioning.Item A musculoskeletal injury profile of league tennis players in the northern eThekwini region(2016) Benporath, Michael Craig; Haswell, GarrickBackground: Tennis is one of the most popular sports globally with over 75 million players around the world. Most studies have focused on junior or elite level players although the majority of players around the world are presumed to be recreational/non-professional players. To date, limited research is available pertaining to the epidemiology of tennis related musculoskeletal in non-professional league tennis players in South Africa. This study aimed to determine the profile of musculoskeletal injuries amongst league tennis players in the northern eThekwini region. Methods: This was a quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive study utilizing a self-administered questionnaire, developed specifically for this research utilizing an expert group and pilot study. The questionnaire contained sections on demographics, tennis history, training and nutrition, court surface and equipment as well as a section on tennis related musculoskeletal injuries. Risk factors for injury were first tested using chi square tests in the case of categorical variables, and t-tests in the case of continuous variables. In order to assess the relationship between injury and potential risk factors for injury, a binary logistic regression using backward selection based on likelihood ratios was used. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of the variables remaining in the model at the end were reported. A p value <0.05 was used to indicate statistical significance. Results: Eighty league tennis players responded giving a response rate of 70.16%. The period prevalence, and the point prevalence of tennis related musculoskeletal injury was 68.75% and 36.25% respectively. A predominance of injuries to the upper extremity were recorded (49%) compared to the lower extremity (27.5%) and the back and trunk (23.5%). The elbow was the most common anatomical site of injury (21.4%) followed by the shoulder (19.4%), the lumbar spine (17.3%) and the knee (8.2%). Age was considered to be a risk factor for injury (p=0.049) as older players in the study (49.32 (17.547) years of age) were less likely to contract an injury than younger players (48.38 (13.210) years of age). The likelihood of injury decreased with a higher Body Mass Index (p=0.042). The relationship between consumption of spirit alcohol and injury was significant (p=0.043). Ex-smokers had a higher chance of contracting an injury (p=0.013). It was also found that those who cycled weekly were less likely to contract an injury (p=0.040). Conclusion: The results concur with other studies on recreational/non-professional tennis players and add insight into risk factors predisposing this population to injury. Health care practitioners need to understand the risk factors for injury in this population so that players can be better managed. Using the results of the study, an injury prevention strategy such as a strength and conditioning program, needs to be implemented with the goal to reduce or prevent common injuries in this population of players.Item A profile of injuries among participants at the 2013 CrossFit Games in Durban(2015-05) Da Silva, Chantel; Gomes, Adrian NeilBackground CrossFit is a workout program developed in 2000 which involves high intensity interval training coupled with resistance training elements of powerlifting and gymnastics. CrossFit has grown to include competitive events and there are an ever increasing number of affiliate gyms internationally. CrossFit’s greatest criticism is related to safety. There is limited published data on the exercise program. Aims The aims of this study were: to determine a retrospective cohort analysis of the demographic, injury and treatment profiles of participants at the 2013 United We Stand CrossFit Games who presented to the Durban University of Technology’s sports treatment facility; to determine the association, if any, between demographics and injury types; and, to provide any recommendations regarding the clinical record form used. Methods This study was a retrospective, quantitative, descriptive study on the chiropractic Student Sports Association’s report form in order to produce a retrospective cohort analysis of the injury and treatment profiles. Persons who made use of the chiropractic treatment facility at the 2013 United We Stand CrossFit Games were required to complete an informed consent form. A sixth year chiropractic student then filled in a Chiropractic Student Sports Association report form to record participant, complaint and treatment information. The study was not limited to competitors, but all persons who had access to the chiropractic treatment facility. These forms were then collated and data captured on the complaints which presented and were treated at the chiropractic treatment facility. Results The data collected revealed that 137 participants presented to the chiropractic treatment facility in 162 visits, with 263 complaints treated. The age range of the sample was between 18 and 43 years, with a mean age of 27.49 years. The majority of participants who presented to the CTF were competing athletes and just under half of the study sample reported to not having a history of previous injury. The study found that the lumbar region (20.9%), wrist/hand (14.4%), shin/calf (11.0%) and knee (10.2%) were the most commonly presented regions of complaint. The highest presenting mechanism of injury was that of overuse (22.4%) followed by running (19.0%). Acute injuries accounted for 72.20% of all injuries. With regards to diagnoses, myofascial trigger points made up 21.6% of all injuries, followed by muscle strains (19.7%). Facet syndromes of the spinal column accounted for 13% of diagnoses.It was shown that kinesiotape, manipulation, massage and ischemic compression were the top treatment interventions utilised. It was also shown that rest, ice and referrals were types of treatment that were not utilised. Due to statistical inconsistencies no significance tests were possible between demographic and injury characteristics. Recommendations were proposed in order to maximise the quality of data captured. Conclusion: The results add insight into the injuries presented and the treatment they acquired at the chiropractic treatment facility at a national CrossFit event. The most common injuries require investigation in both training and competitive environments. Various recommendations have been proposed for the record form used at sporting events in order to facilitate the collection of high quality data.Item An injury profile of amateur and semi-professional KwaZulu-Natal triathletes(2014-05-20) Coetzee, Cuan Wayne; Korporaal, Charmaine MariaBackground: A triathlon comprises of a combination of swimming, cycling and running. Triathlons are usually classified as sprint distance, Olympic distance, and Ironman or ultra-distance. Triathlon was popularized in the 2000 Summer Olympic Games and, despite this, there is insufficient data relating to injuries in the South African context. This study aimed to determine the injury profile of amateur and semi-professional Kwa-Zulu Natal triathletes. Methods: This Institutional Research Board approved, cross sectional study, included 80 active members of the Kwa-Zulu Natal Triathlon Association. All triathletes completed a questionnaire on training and injury profiles; with only those having had a musculoskeletal complaint additionally completing a clinical consultation. In order to assess associations between presence of injury and explanatory variables, binary logistic regression using backward selection based on likelihood ratios was used. Data was described using frequency tables for categorical data and summary statistics for continuous data. Odds ratios was reported and a p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. For triathletes reporting injuries, linear regression was used for factors associated with injury severity. Results: Fifty seven triathletes responded giving a response rate of 71% (68% male, 32% female). The point and period (year) prevalence of triathlon-related musculoskeletal pain was 17.5% and 68.4% respectively. The ranking of the most common site of injury in the last 12 months included the knee (64%), low back (21%) and thigh (18%); with females having had a significantly higher risk of injury than males (p=.019). Additionally, injury risk also increased with weight (p=.055), number of triathlons undertaken in the previous year (p=.031), number of triathlons in the last 4 months (p=.009) and running distance during competition times (p=.011). Injury risk decreased with increasing distance of cycling (p=.061) and swimming (p=.030) in a competition, and length of training in- and off-season (p=.105 and p=.043 respectively). Strong trends were demonstrated between injury severity and long-slow training distance (p=.006) and weight (p=.006). By contrast to risk of injury, injury severity was negatively associated with weight, while a long-slow distance was positively associated with the severity of the injury. Of all the health professions, chiropractic was the most utilized health profession. Conclusion and recommendations: The results concur with previous research, but add insights into factors predisposing triathletes to injury. The most common injuries require investigation to develop preventative interventions to reduce injuries in triathletes. Health professionals require education about triathlon-related injuries to improve preventative and curative interventions.