Poster 376: Injury rates in NCAA student-athletes increased after COVID-19 lockdowns: A descriptive epidemiological study

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic altered sports at all levels of play and led to frequent schedule changes, abbreviated seasons, disrupted training. unprecedented nature the meant that there was no evidence-based strategy guide a safe return sport after prolonged suspension play. During season immediately following lockdowns, National Football League, Major League Baseball, multiple European soccer leagues reported increased injury rates. However, effect precautions on Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) student-athletes’ health safety remain unknown. It is possible findings among professional athletes would be magnified collegiate student-athletes because NCAA are less likely have access level training, quality equipment, intensity coaching necessary maintain physical fitness game readiness during pandemic-induced lockdown compared athletes. purpose this retrospective study address gap in literature by investigating epidemiology injuries 2020 when pre-COVID-19 seasons. hypothesized an increase overall rate number days unavailable pre- Methods: surveillance database single Division I institution queried for resulted time loss student-athlete (missed or practice), persisted longer than 3 days. Injuries were categorized anatomic area. Days recorded as total listed “out activity.” per 1,000 athlete-exposures (AEs) calculated seasons (2017-2020) season. Results: Compared incidence AEs 10.5% (68.4 vs 75.6 AEs; Figure 1A). Total decreased 20.7% (1,374 1,089 1B). female teams, male teams had larger (16.4% 6.5%; 3A) decrease (23.7% 10.75%; 3B). Among individual sports, football highest (180.4 251.0 2). Volleyball (123% increase), followed wrestling (102%; distribution individually varied each team not collective trend across Conclusions: higher school lockdown. Although increased, missed due decreased. suggests severity average event may post-lockdown Taken together, these suggest lack regular training facilities, athletic trainers, coaches, teammates lead risk. Importantly, did experience same change rates, with some disproportionately affected. To our knowledge, first describe student-athletes. Understanding specific risk factors reasons changes characteristics allows guided resource allocation improved focus prevention measures. We recommend student- athletes, caution taken returning restrictions athletics.