Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to determine trends in adverse events during voluntary physical activity and sports performed by Sakae Ward residents.
Methods: This mixed study quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed the data obtained from a questionnaire (selective and free text) regarding accidents and injuries during sports activities conducted by Sakae Ward in 2017 for people who voluntarily engaged in sports activities. Of the 518 responses, 473 were included in the analysis.
Results: There were 94 cases (20%) with adverse events in the last 5 years. Soccer, badminton, and volleyball, in that order, had the most frequently reported adverse events. Sprain/ligament injuries of the lower extremities (26 cases), muscle/tendon injuries of the lower extremities (20 cases), and contusions of the head/face (7 cases) were the most common injuries. The results of free descriptions also confirmed the occurrence of serious injuries such as Achilles tendon rupture, anterior cruciate ligament injury of the knee joint, skull fracture, femur fracture, and cerebral hemorrhage. Muscle and tendon injuries (16 cases) were distinctive among residents in the 50–60 age group, while falls (11 cases) was distinctive in the 60–70 age group.
Conclusion: The study results show that lower limb injuries such as sprained ankle joints and adverse events such as falls among the elderly occurred during physical activity and sports voluntarily performed by Sakae Ward residents. Therefore, preventive measures and countermeasures should be taken to prevent these adverse events.
