Implementation of the OSTRC Back Injury Prevention Program among Professional Basketball, Handball, Soccer, and Volleyball Players

Abstract

The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center (OSTRC) back injury prevention program (IPP) is an evidence-based injury prevention exercise designed to prevent back pain and other related injuries. The aim of this study was to assess the implementation of the OSTRC Back IPP among professional basketball, handball, soccer, and volleyball players in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The survey was developed by the study authors and it consisted of two sections: the socio-demographic and questionnaire assess the implementation of OSTRC Back IPP. A total of 360 athletes responded to the survey (response rate was 93.75%). The mean (±SD) of the total implementation score was 6.6 (±1.8) out of 13. Jumping lunges exercise was the highest implemented exercise, making up 56.1% of the participated players, followed by the side plank and jump turns 53.3% and 53.1%, respectively. In contrast, the lowest implemented exercise was the rotational strength exercise which accounts for 46.4%. There were no statistically significant differences between the GCC countries in the implementation of all exercises except for the side lunges exercise. The rate of implementation of the OSTRC Back IPP among players was low in the GCC countries.