Epidemiology of occupational injuries in padel coaches Epidemiology of occupational injuries in padel coaches

The objectives of this study were to analyse the incidence of injuries in padel coaches, as well as the causes that cause them. Likewise, an attempt was made to identify preventive exercises that would reduce the appearance of these injuries. This is a descriptive study on a sample of 450 technicians from Extremadura and a minimum participatory size of 208 (confidence level=95%; margin of error=5%). For the analysis of the incidence, they completed a questionnaire on injuries produced in paddle tennis classes during the last year, designed ad-hoc. The questionnaire was distributed among qualified paddle tennis coaches in the Autonomous Community of Extremadura, obtaining a total participation of 228 technicians. The results indicated that 76 % of the coaches were injured during the last year, being the number of class hours per week and the years of experience determining factors. The location of the lesion (X-2(3) = 38.647; p=.000; V=.601) determined the type of lesion. Thus, in the upper limb there was a higher percentage of tendon injuries (specifically in the elbow and shoulder), while in the lower limb there was a higher percentage of ligamentous injuries (especially ankle sprains). In addition, various studies were identified that include a series of preventive exercises, which reduce the risk of this type of injury. In conclusion, padel coaches should carry out prevention training, especially to avoid tendonitis in the upper limb and ligamentous injuries in the lower body.