Assessment of injuries in physical education lessons in Kenya science teachers' college, Kenya.

Abstract

The purpose of the' study was to assess the nature, aetiology, mechanism, and anatomical localization of injuries occurring to Teacher - Trainees during physical education lessons. The study involved an assessment of injuries experienced by 154 second year teacher-trainees of Kenya Science Teachers' college over two terms during the 2002/2003 academic year. The lessons during which the observations were made included soccer, handball, hockey, basketball, volleyball, softball, athletics and gymnastics. The findings revealed that ball games contributed 48 (66.66%) of all injuries while the mechanism of injuries centering on apparatus accounted for 44(61.7%). Five types of injuries were identified with sprains accounting for 38(52.8%) of them. A good number of most: injuries occurred in the lower extremity. Arising from the results it is' recommended that teachers should emphasize skill acquisition rather than competitive play durinq physical education lessons so as to minimize occurrence of injuries. Use of protective equipment and effective supervision should be encouraged during physical education lessons.