Factors influencing the probability of injuries
Katarzyna Mazur
2026-03-18
4 min. read
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Numerous individuals, irrespective of their training level, whether beginners or seasoned athletes, have experienced multiple injuries that prevented them from continuing their training for a period of several or even more than a dozen weeks. Are there any factors that amplify the likelihood of sustaining an injury?
Damage or Injury
Damage is a mechanical, thermal, electrical or other factor that causes destruction to organs, cells, tissues, whereas trauma is the consequence of damage. It is a type of destruction that makes it difficult to perform daily activities and perform sports training. The effects of mechanical destruction to the movement organ can be classified as follows: fractures, sprains, contusions, wounds, dislocations, overexertions.
Most commonly occurring reasons for injuries
The most common reasons for injuries are: - lack of sufficient warm-up before training, - skipping the recovery phase after training, - excess training, after which the trainee cannot recover, - too frequent training sessions, - too quick return to physical activity after a previous injury, - inadequate technical conditions of the sports facility and training equipment. It is also worth noting that some disciplines are more susceptible to causing injuries. In contact sports such as football or hockey, the risk of injury increases significantly.
Factors that escalate the odds of injuries
Factors that can escalate the risk of sports injuries: poor technique in executing exercises included in the training plan, inadequate nutrition and insufficient hydration, age – older individuals are more susceptible to injuries; irreversible changes in the motor system that impact movement quality and exercise technique; low muscular endurance.. The aforementioned factors can also include inadequate recovery, fatigue, and even overtraining.. Hence, rest is so crucial, along with properly planned volume, frequency, and intensity of exercises.. More does not necessarily mean better – a far better solution is to gradually approach the goal, incorporating recovery time.. This allows for maintaining health and physical fitness.
Stress as a factor accelerating the risk of harm
Many people are unaware of the impact of stress on the human body and the risk of harm. Stress can be a positive stimulus, a motivator to act, but it can also significantly increase the risk of harm. In stressful situations, muscle cramps and increased muscle tension occur, which significantly increases the risk of injury. Furthermore, stress reduces concentration, making it difficult to accurately assess the situation. A study of Swedish footballers showed that people who experienced higher levels of stress and were less able to cope with stress in difficult situations were more prone to injury. In another study, it was found that chronic stress and overload in daily life can delay the healing of injuries and wounds by 25% (L.. M. Christian 2006). Therefore, it is important to limit the possibilities for chronic stress in our lives.
Injury care
The paramount concern is to promptly identify injuries and initiate immediate medical intervention. This provides an opportunity to regain full health and physical fitness. Lack of appropriate care may lead to numerous complications and escalate the costs of diagnosis and treatment. Treatment after sustaining injuries primarily depends on the type of injury, and recovery time can range from several weeks to multiple weeks. In most cases, following a period of recovery and rehabilitation, it is possible to resume previous physical activities. Unfortunately, in a few instances, complete healing and return to the previous lifestyle may not be achievable.
Summary
Very often, the terms injury and trauma are erroneously used interchangeably. An injury is a mechanical, thermal, electrical, or other factor that causes damage to organs, cells, and human tissues. On the other hand, a trauma is the result of an injury. The most frequent causes of traumas include insufficient preparation, lack of a training plan (one that considers both work and rest), and incorrect exercise technique. Additional factors that increase the risk of trauma are: advanced age, unhealthy diet, and decreased muscle endurance. Few individuals are aware that traumas can also be the result of exhaustion and chronic stress. Therefore, it is advisable to minimize stress in your life and find effective strategies for coping with challenges.
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