Incidência das lesões musculoesqueléticas em jogadores de tênis em cadeiras de rodas

Abstract

Introduction: Wheelchair Tennis (WCT), created in 1976, adapts conventional tennis for athletes with physical disabilities. The rules are similar, allowing up to two bounces of the ball. The sport is divided into two categories: Open, for athletes with lower limb impairments, and Quad, for those with limitations in three or more extremities. The high incidence of injuries, particularly in the shoulder, is similar to conventional tennis, making the study of injuries essential for preventive strategies. Objective: To determine the epidemiology of injuries in wheelchair tennis players, including type, location, mechanism, and risk factors. Methods: The sample will consist of athletes aged 18 to 50 years, classified by the International Tennis Federation, practicing the sport for at least three consecutive months with two weekly training sessions. An online questionnaire will be used to characterize the population and collect data on injuries. Statistics: Chi-square tests and binary logistic regressions will be applied to evaluate the influence of variables such as age, practice duration, grip type, and training volume. Results: Significant associations were found between grip type and injury severity, particularly in the elbow (p = 0.006). Severe injuries occurred more frequently during serving (p = 0.000), with grip being a relevant factor (p = 0.009).Conclusion: Racket grip and training volume are the main factors associated with elbow injuries.