The epidemiology of musculoskeletal injuries amongst World Cup Biathletes- a one-year retrospective study.

• Purpose – This one- year retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted by the International Biathlon Union (IBU) to investigate about the epidemiology of musculoskeletal injuries amongst World Cup Biathletes. • Methods – A total of 116 athletes conducted an online survey during the first IBU World Cup competition of the season 2008/2009. The online questionnaire consisted of 17 specific questions to collect data about location and type of injury, onset, start, severity and cause of injury. • Results - Amongst the study population 47 (40,5%) athletes reported to have at least one injury. A total of 68 injuries were reported. This leads to an injury incidence of 58,6 injuries per 100 athletes per year. The female gender (54,4%) encountered more injuries than male athletes (39,7%). A total of 54,4 % of the injuries was reported to be of gradual onset and 54,4% occurred during training season. Biathlon caused mainly (39,7%) time loss injuries. The main body location reported was the lower back (38,9%), knee (35,7%) and the shoulder (25%). Running is the primary activity to cause an injury (27,9%). • Conclusion – Biathlon has a high injury incidence, but only of slight severity. Female athletes encounter more injuries than male athletes especially in relation to the lower back and knee. Lower back injuries are the most common injury site. The majority of injuries are caused from training activity such as running and not directly from skiing itself