Athletic injury and minor life events: a prospective study

J Sci Med Sport. 1999 Jun;2(2):117-24. doi: 10.1016/s1440-2440(99)80191-1.

Abstract

Minor life events were examined in an attempt to determine their contribution to athletic injury risk. Male and female athletes (N = 98), from both team and individual sports (hockey, volleyball, and triathlon) were examined over the course of a competitive season. A high rate of injury was noted among these athletes (30%-46% of the members of each team sustained at least one injury during the season). The injured athletes were found to have a significant increase in minor life events for the week prior to injury. No significant changes in minor life events occurred for the non-injured athletes. The results of the present study provide substantial evidence for a link between minor life events and athletic injury.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Athletic Injuries* / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Life Style*
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Stress, Psychological*