Injuries in elite Jamaican netballers

The purpose of this study is to identify the nature, spectrum and frequency of injuries among national netballers in Jamaica.

A retrospective study utilizing a questionnaire was used to gather the necessary information among netball players over a five-year period spanning two world cups. A 31-item questionnaire on player's profile, protective equipment, site of injury and associated factors of injury was completed by a study population recruited from players who had represented Jamaica at the senior level, under 21 or under 16 age groups between 2003 and 2007. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS version 12.

Most of the injuries were confined to the ankle and knee, with the playing surface and poor landing technique the main reasons for the injuries.

There are wide variations in training, players' fitness, levels of coaching and the standards of playing courts, all of which might have contributed to players' injuries.