Knee pain and function in retired male intercounty GAA players: an exploratory study.

Background: Knee injuries are common among elite intercounty Gaelic games players (collectively GAA players).

Aims: The primary aim was to examine knee pain, function, and quality of life in retired elite male GAA players. Secondary objectives were to (i) report the incidence of previous knee surgery and total knee replacement, (ii) assess medication usage, and (iii) investigate any associations between a history of knee injury and/or knee surgery and knee pain, function, and quality of life among retired elite male GAA players.

Methods: One hundred retired male senior intercounty GAA players were surveyed on their history of severe knee injury and previous knee surgery (68 completed survey; 47 Gaelic football, 20 hurling, 1 dual player). The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Physical Function Short Form (KOOS-PS) and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global Health (PROMIS-GH) were used to assess level of function and pain.

Results: Forty-seven (69%) of the retired players described experiencing at least one severe knee injury during their intercounty career. Fourteen (21%) participants retired due to a significant knee injury. Mean KOOS-SP score was 75.5 (SD 17). The Global Physical Health and Global Mental Health mean scores were 44 and 51. There was a low negative correlation between KOOS-SP scores and a history of severe knee injury (r = -0.35, p = 0.001). Moderate negative correlation between Global Mental Health scores and a history of severe knee injuries (r = -0.36, p = 0.386) and a very weak negative correlation between the number of surgeries during a participant's intercounty career and Global Mental Health score (r = -0.089, p = 0.234).

Discussion: Severe knee injuries and knee surgery are common among male intercounty GAA players. These injuries lead to self-reported reduced performance and retirement and are potentially associated with worse health-related outcomes post-intercounty career. Further well-designed studies, including among retired women GAA players, are required to assess the relationship between knee injuries and long-term athlete outcomes. Improved injury prevention efforts, enhanced rehabilitation of knee injuries, and post-retirement care may mitigate the adverse effects associated with severe knee injuries among male GAA players.