Injuries in Japanese university handball: a study among 1017 players

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedics
• Public Health

Background:

• Handball is a dynamic sport with a high risk of injury.
• Understanding specific injury patterns in university-level athletes is crucial for prevention.
• Japanese university handball has not been extensively studied regarding its injury profile.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the injury profile of Japanese university handball players.
• To identify common injury locations, mechanisms, and types.
• To determine risk factors associated with injuries in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 1017 participants from the 2018 Japanese National University Handball Championship.
• Data collected on injury incidence, body regions affected, injury mechanisms (traumatic vs. overuse), and injury types.
• Statistical analysis to determine injury rates and odds ratios for specific player positions and sexes.

Main Results:

• The overall injury incidence was 0.59 per player per year.
• Most common sites for traumatic injuries were the ankle, knee, and shoulder/clavicle.
• Most common sites for overuse injuries were the lumbar spine/lower back, knee, and shoulder.
• Sprains, ligamentous ruptures, and fractures were common traumatic injuries; stress fractures and meniscus/cartilage lesions were common overuse injuries.
• Female players (OR: 1.55) and line players (OR: 1.49) had significantly higher odds of experiencing injuries.

Conclusions:

• Japanese university handball players experience a notable injury incidence, with specific patterns for traumatic and overuse injuries.
• Ankle, knee, and shoulder are the most frequently injured body regions.
• Female handball players and those playing line positions are at increased risk, necessitating tailored injury prevention programs.