Biomechanical Evolution in Longitudinal Analysis of Lumbar Stress Injuries in Fast Bowlers: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Fast bowling is a physically demanding activity with high workloads for cricketers.
• Fast bowlers experience a disproportionately high incidence of injuries, particularly lower back injuries like lumbar stress fractures, especially in adolescents.
• Understanding biomechanical contributors is crucial for developing effective injury prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review 15 years of research (2008-2023) on injury patterns and biomechanical factors in fast bowling.
• To identify key biomechanical contributors to lumbar and lower-limb injuries in fast bowlers.
• To inform safer and more sustainable training and rehabilitation practices.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases (MEDLINE, Embase, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar).
• Included studies were peer-reviewed, full-text, English-language publications with prospective/retrospective cohort, analytical cross-sectional, or randomized controlled trial designs.
• Data screening and verification were performed using RAYYAN and Mendeley with independent multi-reviewer assessment.

Main Results:

• Excessive shoulder counter-rotation (>25°), trunk lateral flexion, and reduced knee flexion (<30°) at front-foot contact increase spinal and lower-limb loads.
• Poor lumbopelvic control elevates lumbar stress injury risk by up to 88%.
• Greater ankle dorsiflexion (>30°) appears protective by enhancing shock absorption.

Conclusions:

• Preventive strategies should focus on early biomechanical screening, workload management, and targeted lumbopelvic strengthening exercises.
• Rehabilitation requires gradual progression of training loads and improved movement control.
• Long-term biomechanical monitoring is recommended to optimize performance and minimize injury risk.