Training habits, training surface and injuries among South African netball players

Abstract

Netball involves rapid acceleration, deceleration and directional changes exerting considerable force on articular and peri-articular structures, resulting in a high risk of injuries. Preventing injuries to the ankle and knee joints of netball players is of particular concern. Improvement in core stability, neuromuscular control (NMC) and biomechanics have been proven to reduce knee injuries within the sporting population. Improvement in proprioception is effective in reducing ankle injuries. Playing surfaces with higher friction values seem to elevate the rate of injuries. The aim of this study was to assess participation in preventative training modalities to reduce joint injuries that occur most frequently in a cohort of elite South African netball players (N=1280). The effect of the playing surface on injury rates was also assessed. Subjects participated in three elite netball tournaments in South Africa. By means of a questionnaire it was found that between 51.7% and 59% of injured netball players did no exercises to improve their core stability, NMC or proprioception. The cement playing surface delivered a 1.9 times higher injury rate than the synthetic surface. Netball coaches should be educated on the value and implementation of exercise modalities that could limit injuries to the ankle and knee joints of netball players.

Key words: Netball injuries; Injury prevention; Playing surface.