INTRODUCTION:
Although studies show the importance of physical activity in prevention and maintaining a healthy standard of living, its practice can determine an increased risk of occurrence of injuries among people who practice sports activities.
OBJECTIVE:
Determine the prevalence and factors associated with injuries during leisure-time physical activity practice in the city of Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
METHODS:
Population-based cross-sectional study conducted in the urban area of Pelotas, southern Brazil. A sample taking into account the different clusters was selected. Sociodemographic, economic, behavioral, nutritional and physical activity injury related characteristics were collected using a standardized and pre-coded questionnaire.
RESULTS:
The prevalence of injuries in subjects physically active during leisure time was 21.9% (CI95% 18.3 - 25.9). The most prevalent injuries were contusions (39.6%), dislocations (30.2%) and sprains (11.3%) and soccer practice and weightlifting were activities where more injuries occurred. The injuries were associated with male gender, younger age and black and mixed race.
CONCLUSION:
Although the prevalence of injuries among practitioners is important, the benefits of an active lifestyle outweigh the risks.
motor activity; morbidity; injuries; epidemiology
