Training profile, sporting habits and injury characteristics of Spanish obstacle course races participants: cross-sectional study.

Abstract

This study aimed to provide information on the training profile and characteristics of injuries sustained by obstacle course racing competitors. This research is a nationwide cross-sectional, self-administered online survey conducted in 2023. We analyzed the data collected from 201 obstacle course racing participants (mean age: 33.8 ± 7.1 years; 60.7% men). On average, athletes had 2.9 ± 2.4 years of obstacle course racing experience and participated in approximately four races in the previous year. Most of these races covered distances of 5-10 km (65.2%). Among the participants, 28.4% reported injuries, with the upper extremities being the most frequently affected. Approximately 19% of these injuries required medical supervision, and 2% led to hospitalization. Injury risk in obstacle course racing participants was associated with participation in a higher number of obstacle course racing competitions, reduced time between these competitions and having performed specific obstacle training.