INJURY PREVENTION PRACTICE IN FEMALE BASKETBALL PLAYERS IN THE JAPANESE TOP LEAGUE: AN INTERVENTIONAL STUDY OVER 7 SEASONS. Issue 7 (11th March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nagano, Y; Hori, M; Shimizu, Y; Takahashi, S; Tsuda, K; Miki, H; Uchiyama, E
• Is Part Of: British journal of sports medicine. Volume 48:Issue 7(2014)
• Page Start: 643
• Page End: 643
• Publication Date: 2014-03-11
• Subjects: Sports medicine -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2014-093494.221
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-3674

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Female basketball players are at a higher risk for injuries such as those of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Therefore, preventing such injuries is essential for their health and the competition. Objective: To assess the effect of an injury prevention training program on the incidence of injuries in female basketball players. Design: Prospective intervention study. Setting: Top-level basketball league in Japan. Participants: A total of 1127 players from 12 top-league teams during 7 seasons. Interventions: From the middle of the second (2007–2008) season, a 3-step injury prevention program was initiated. The program focused on strength, balance, jump-landing techniques, and basketball skills. Subjects were instructed to perform exercises in a neutral position and to avoid lumbar lordosis, rear axial weight bearing, hip adduction, and knee valgus. Main outcome measurements: All injuries, including ACL injury and ankle sprain, occurring during the 7 seasons that caused a player to miss a current session and/or miss a subsequent session were recorded. Injury incidences were calculated in terms of per 1000 player hours (PH). Compliance with the program was also reported. Results: During 7 seasons, 8, 73, 084 PH and 973 injuries were reported. The injury incidence was 1.11/1000 PH, which did not significantly change after the intervention. In each season, ankle or knee injuries were most frequent. 34 non-contact ACL injuries occurred, an incidence of 0.039/1000 PH. During 5 seasons after the intervention, the incidence of non-contact ACL injuries in the team conducting the prevention program was 0.032, while the team without the program had an incidence of 0.046. A total of 235 ankle sprains occurred, an incidence of 0.269/1000 PH. After the intervention, the incidence decreased to 0.19 in the 2011–2012 season. Conclusions: The results show that the injury prevention program may decrease the frequency of non-contact ACL injuries and ankle sprains.