Burden of Sport Injuries in the European Union - Safety in Sports

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3 | February 2012
The image of sport (in general as well as of specific types of sport) can be assumed as
an important factor for preventing people to start or to revive activities, although the
relation between perceived injury risk and physical activity is not well studied.
“Sport is Murder” is a common saying, frequently used as joke but obviously with a
relevant core. Serious injuries of top performers, often spectacularly staged by television,
certainly influence the perceived injury risk of sports and give some specific
types of sports the image of being “dangerous”. General dislike of physical exercise,
lack of time, or lack of discipline seem to be important motives for staying inactive,
but a perceived high injury risk may contribute. The image of sports as “risky” is an
inhibiting factor – although probably the most decisive one – for more success in
promoting health enhancing physical activity (Telford et al 2012).
3.2 Health
In past decades, the scientific knowledge of the health consequences of physical activity
and inactivity has increased substantially. There is wealth of evidence that
physical activity, in particular appropriate sport, can have positive effects on health.
E.g. Felderer et al (2006) report estimations that regular sportive activity reduces the
risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases by about 50%, the risk of suffering
from diabetes type II and obesity by 30-50%. Cardiovascular diseases are the number
one cause of mortality in Europe, and the number of citizens of the European Union
who suffer from diabetes and obesity is rising. Also the risk of cancer of the colon can
be reduced by about 40-50%. Moreover, sport plays an important role in preventing
from osteoporosis, dorsalgia and arthritis. Moreover regular sportive activity also
decreases the risk of mental illnesses like depression. Doing sport enhances wellbeing,
stabilizes mood states, reduces perceived stress, enhances self-worth especially
in women and meliorates sleep. Regular sport participation also reduces the risk of
Alzheimer disease and enhances some brain functions like planning, decision making,
short time memory and the ability to concentrate.
Physical exercise, and sport as part thereof, is a “salutogenetic factor”. Regular physical
activity, active play and sports can be a practical means to achieving numerous
health gains, either directly or indirectly through its positive impact on other major
risks, in particular high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, tobacco use and
stress. These benefits are mediated through a number of mechanisms: in general, it
improves glucose metabolism, reduces body fat and lowers blood pressure. Physical
activity may reduce the risk of colon cancer by effects of prostaglandins, reduced intestinal
transit time, and higher antioxidant levels. Physical activity is also associated
with lower risk of breast cancer, which may be the result of effects on hormonal metabolism.
Participation in physical activity can improve musculoskeletal health, control
body eight, and reduce symptoms of depression (WHO 2003).