A Study on the Prevalence of Injuries in Male Senior and Elderly Tennis Participants

Purpose: The purpose of the present study is to determine the point and period prevalence rates of tennis-related injuries and identify potential risk factors among senior and elderly male tennis players in Seoul and Kyunggi-do, South Korea.<br/> Method: A cross-sectional study design was employed. Seventy-six male senior and elderly members of a tennis club participated in this study (mean age=66.8 years; SD=8.9). Data were collected through a structured interview questionnaire conducted in person. The point prevalence rate of injuries (from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2023) and the period prevalence rate of injuries (from the beginning of tennis club membership to the present) were calculated. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted, including the chi-square test and binary logistic regression, with significance set at p <.05 using SPSS software.<br/> Results: Among the participants, 29 players (38.2%) sustained at least one injury over the past two years. The point prevalence rate was 38.2%, which corresponds to 1.55 injuries per 1,000 Athlete Exposures (95% CI: 0.99-2.11). The elbow and knee joints were the most frequently injured body regions (17.2% each). The period prevalence rate was 82.9%, affecting 63 players. The elbow joint was the most frequently injured body part during this period, reported by 22 players (34.9%). Additionally, 43.4% of the players reported experiencing chronic pain, with the knee being the most commonly affected site. Significant differences were observed among the point prevalence rate, chronic pain prevalence, and period prevalence rate (p <.05). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between period prevalence and both pre-hydration status and chronic pain status (p <.05). Furthermore, significant associations were found between chronic pain status and both period prevalence and intake of functional food supplements (p =0.04 and 0.26, respectively; p <.05).<br/> Conclusion: The point prevalence rate of tennis-related injuries was relatively low, particularly when considering injury exposure data (1.6 injuries per 1,000 AEs). However, the period prevalence rate was substantially high. The elbow joint emerged as the most common site of injury, as indicated by both point and period prevalence rates. The period prevalence rate showed significant associations with pre-hydration status and chronic pain status. Additionally, chronic pain was associated with both period prevalence and the intake of functional food supplements. Further research using this methodology is recommended for female tennis players.