ABSTRACT

　[INTRODUCTION] Few studies of sports injuries and illness in athletes with intellectual disabilities have been conducted. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and characteristics of sports injuries and illness among Special Olympics athletes. [METHODS] A total of 503 athletes who participated in the 8th Special Olympics Japan Winter Games 2024 and the Special Olympics World Winter Games Torino 2025, and a total of 30 Unified Partners（ able-bodied people） who play sports with athletes were subjects of the study. The number of cases of sports injuries and illness, the incidence rate per 1,000 athlete-days, and the mechanisms and modes of occurrence were investigated. [RESULTS] A total of 31 injuries and illnesses （Any complaint） occurred during the study period （6 days for National Games and 7 days for World Games） ; the incidence rate per 1000Athlete-days was 9.6 for athletes in the National Games, 93.8 for Athletes and 83.3 for Unified Partners in the World Games. Among them, 2（2.1/1000 athlete-days）Time-loss injuries and illnesses that forced the discontinuation of sports activities occurred in the National Games and 4（21.7/1000 athlete-days） in the World Games, Mood/emotional disorders and worsening of pre-existing medical conditions were also identified. [CONCLUSION] Sports injuries and illnesses in athletes with intellectual disabilities ranged from severe cases to aggravation of pre-existing conditions.

DECENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.47/The DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE