Citation

Reeser JC, Berg RL. Br. J. Sports Med. 2004; 38(5): E29.

Affiliation

Marshfield Clinic, Department of Physical Medicine, 1000 North Oak Avenue, Marshfield, WI 54449, USA. reeser.jonathan@marshfieldclinic.org

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/bjsm.2003.010298

PMID

15388573

PMCID

PMC1724919

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the injury patterns among competitive curlers. METHODS: Participants at two curling championship events were asked to complete injury history questionnaires. RESULTS: 76 curlers (39%) participated; 79% of these reported curling related musculoskeletal pain, most commonly involving the knee (54%), back (33%), and shoulder (20%). Sweeping and delivering the stone were most likely to provoke symptoms. Time loss injuries were estimated to occur at a rate of 2 per 1000 athlete exposures. CONCLUSIONS: Curling appears to be a relatively safe winter sport. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings and to further define the risk factors for curling related injuries.