30 July 2009
Monash University research into rates of death and trauma associated with sport has found off-road motor sports are the most dangerous recreational activities of all.
The research, by Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine PhD student Nadine Andrew, analysed sport-related trauma and deaths recorded in Victoria from 2001 through to 2006.
They also showed a high number of recorded deaths for cyclists with 43 deaths and fishing with 35 incidents of drowning deaths over the entire six year period.
Other sporting activities which were high on the list of being life threatening or likely to cause injury were horse-riding, water skiing or power boating ice and snow sports, Australian Rules football and swimming.
But Ms Andrew said the figures shouldn't discourage people from engaging in an active, healthy lifestyle.
"The reality is that people involved in sport have only a 5.1 per cent chance of trauma or injury while the risk of death is about one per cent. Compared to the health benefits, the risk of injury is relatively low," Ms Andrew said.
Preliminary results included 1021 non-fatal major traumas and 227 deaths. The sports with the highest rates of major trauma or death per 100,000 participants per year were off road motor sports (119) in all categories, followed by equestrian (53) and power boating (15).
Ms Andrew said that given the popularity of fishing and cycling, the sports are still relatively safe.
"Cycling and fishing have a huge following, so when you take all the participation into account, their results are significantly lower, with 13 cyclists per 100,000 participants suffering a trauma or death, while only 10 per 100,000 fishing enthusiasts will become a statistic," Ms Andrew said.
Ms Andrew's research was presented at the annual Injury Prevention and Safety Conference in Melbourne this week.
"The research is still in its early stages but we expect the final analysis will provide useful information to a wide range of groups. We hope it will assist those in the sporting industries to implement programs to reduce injuries in the areas most at risk," Ms Andrews said.
"I hope this research will trigger further studies and eventually education and prevention campaigns. It is important that we strive to develop healthy lifestyles involving sport and recreation but it is imperative that we educate people about the dangers of their activities to try to prevent serious injury," Ms Andrew said.
For more information contact Samantha Blair Media and Communications + 61 3 9903 4841 or 0439 013 951.
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