Injury epidemiology at the 2022 and 2023 senior wrestling world championships

Abstract Background Wrestling World Championships represent the highest level of competition in the sport, featuring hundreds of elite athletes across three styles and ten weight classes. This study aims to analyze injury patterns and risk factors in senior-level wrestling. Methods Injury data were recorded during the 2022 and 2023 Senior Wrestling World Championships. Athlete gender, wrestling style, injury severity, type, and location were documented. Results Among 1,686 competitors and 3,882 athletic exposures (AEs), 107 injuries were recorded, yielding an overall injury incidence rate of 27.56 per 1,000 AEs. Injury incidence rates per style were 25.55/1,000 AEs in Greco-Roman, 34.31/1,000 AEs in Freestyle, and 21.22/1,000 AEs in Women’s Wrestling. The most common injuries were strains (33.6%, 9.27/1,000 AEs) and superficial skin injuries (24.3%, 6.70/1,000 AEs). Injuries predominantly affected the limbs (45,79%) and head-neck region (45,79%). Injuries in the face-neck region were mostly minor, whereas limb injuries had a higher proportion of more severe cases. Conclusions The injury patterns observed are consistent with prior data from high-level wrestling competitions. The findings of our study are consistent with previously reported values regarding the incidence and severity of injuries. Notably, limb injuries were associated with greater severity.