Dados do Trabalho

Título

Influence of sleep on injuries and illnesses in Paralympic athletes

Introdução

Paralympic sports tend to have a higher injury incidence than Olympic sports. Also, due to their underlying medical condition, illnesses such as urinary tract infections are highly prevalent in athletes with disabilities. Sleep is essential for the optimal functioning of several systems in the human body. Previous studies have suggested that poor sleep may impair muscle recovery and immune function which can favor the development of injuries and illnesses.

Objetivo

To evaluate sleep characteristics and investigate the relationship of sleep with injuries and illnesses in Paralympic athletes.

Métodos

This was a cross-sectional study with 20 Paralympic athletes of athletics, swimming, and powerlifting. The sleep-wake pattern was monitored for 2 weeks through actigraphy. The Morningness and Eveningness Questionnaire, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index PSQI, Athlete Sleep Behavior Questionnaire, and the Sleep Complaints Questionnaire were also applied. Injury and illnesses were recorded for two weeks through the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center questionnaire (OSTRC).

Resultados

We found a 90% prevalence of poor sleep quality and 45% of poor sleep behavior. The intermediate chronotype was the most prevalent (45%). The mean TST was 6.57±49.91. Frequency of insomnia (r= 0.51; p= 0.02), PSQI score (r= 0.45; p=0.04), and frequency of awakenings at night (r= 0.58; p= 0.01) were associated with severity of health problems; frequency of movements during sleep was associated with OSTRC cumulative score (r= 0.58; p=0.00); and frequency of nightmares was associated with OSTRC mean score.

Conclusões

Paralympic athletes tend to report poor sleep quality, have poor sleep behavior and sleep less than the recommended. Insomnia symptoms, awakenings at night, movements during sleep and poor sleep quality were associated with the occurrence and/or severity of health problems.

Palavras -chave

Sleep Complaints, Actigraphy, Athletic Injuries, Para-Athletes.