SPORT INJURY STATISTICS IN AUSTRALIA

The National Healthy Survey 2001 estimated that approximately 367,000 Australians reported a recent injury from participating in an organised sport (for example soccer or netball). Of that 367,000, two-thirds were male.

Source:http://www.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/abs@.nsf/0/EF0B82CC1E7DCA2DCA2568A9001393A8?Open

However, Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) estimates that there could be in excess of 2 million sporting injuries in New South Wales alone every year. This is includes a large percentage of people (over 70%) who have injuries that are not necessarily receiving treatment or do not require treatment.

What are the most common types of reported injuries?

Type of Injury	Percentage reported
Bruising	36%
Muscle strains	32%
Joint/ligament strain	29%
Bleeding	16%
Fractures	11%
Dislocations	8%
Knockouts	5%

Source: http://www.youthsafe.org/injury/sport.htm

What are the most common injury sites?

Sites of Injuries	Percentage
Ankle	32%
Knee	30%
Finger	15%
Head	10%
Other	13%

Which sports have the most injured participants?

Sport	Percentage injured (6 month period)
Rugby Union	36%
Rugby League	35%
Netball	33%
Hockey	32%
AFL	31%
Soccer	25%
Horse Riding	23%

Sports with the most serious injuries

Sport	% of injured reporting serious injury
Boxing	55%
Rock Climbing	43%
Rugby League	34%
Horse Riding	31%
Sailing	30%
Rugby Union	28%

Source: http://www.youthsafe.org/injury/sport.htm

With such high injury rates being sport or exercise related, it is understandable why a number of Australians experience a long-term condition associated with their injuries. In 2001, approximately 545,000 people reported a long-term condition resulting from sporting injuries. Back pain is the most prevalent condition with around 35% sufferers. Joint injury was the next most common long term condition (approximately 14%). Long term conditions relating to knee injuries was around 10%.

Source: http://www.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/abs@.nsf/0/EF0B82CC1E7DCA2DCA2568A9001393A8?Open

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