Sports Injury Patterns and Incidence Among Adolescent Pencak Silat Athletes

Abstract

The expanding popularity of Pencak Silat, particularly in the full-contact sparring

category, exposes athletes to significant injury risks caused by intrinsic and

extrinsic factors, including the implementation of complex new regulations.

Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of these rules by referees is critical to

mitigate injuries and prioritize athlete safety. This study aims to analyze the

incidence of injuries among pencak silat athletes participating in the Pekan

Olahraga Pelajar Daerah, a regional multi-event Regional Student Sports Week in

Indonesia at the district level in the regencies of Banyumas, Cilacap, Purbalingga,

and Banjarnegara, Central Java Province. This study employed a cross-sectional

survey design, involving 142 adolescent pencak silat athletes selected through

purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted

from Fuller et al and supplemented by interviews to validate responses. The

questionnaire focused on athlete demographics, injury characteristics, and affected

body regions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency

distribution and percentage calculations, to provide an empirical overview of injury

patterns and incidence rates. The majority of injuries occurred during training

sessions (87%) rather than competitions (27%). Chronic injuries were more

prevalent (85%) compared to acute injuries (15%). The lower extremities were the

most affected body parts (77%), particularly the knee (26%), ankle (24%), and hip

(24%). Pencak silat athletes are more prone to chronic injuries, particularly in the

lower extremities. Injury prevention efforts should focus on proper warm-up

routines, injury education, and enhancing technical skills to minimize injury risks

during both training and competition.

Keywords: pencak silat, sports injuries, injury assessment, injury prevention.