A cross-sectional retrospective survey of injury situation and prevalence in female recreational netball players with a focus on knee injuries

Abstract

ObjectivesTo examine situations of injury and injury prevalence in female adult recreational netball players with a focus on knee injuries. DesignCross sectional retrospective online survey. Participants193 female adult recreational netball players. Main outcome measuresAny injury sustained in the previous 12 months, situation of injury, any knee injuries sustained in the previous five years, the length of time unable to play netball, and knee injury management. ResultsIn the previous 12 months, 61% of respondents sustained injury to the lower limb, and 27% to the upper limb. Lower limb injury situations were mostly landings (46%). Upper limb injury situations were mostly collisions with an opponent (27%). 46% reported sustaining a knee injury in the previous five years. Following knee injury, players were unable to play netball for 6.8 ± 7.0 months (training); and 8.2 ± 7.4 months (matches) respectively. ConclusionsLower limb injury is more common than upper limb injury in recreational adult female adult netball players. Landing was the most common situation of injury for the lower limb including knee injuries. In the previous five years, nearly half of the players had sustained a knee injury resulting in more than six months out of the game.