INJURIES IN PROFESSIONAL BEACH VOLLEYBALL - A PROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF INJURIES DURING THE 1995 AVP PRO BEACH VOLLEYBALL TOUR 1066

Abstract

Although previous prospective studies have addressed common injuries among indoor volleyball players, there have been no published reports which specificly involved professional beach volleyball players. The physical demands of the beach volleyball athlete are extremely rigorous and unique to this rapidly growing sport, thus suggesting that the injury rate and prevalence may be high. The athletes studied were members of the Association of Volleyball Professionals and participated in the 1995 AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour. Injury data was collected from June through August 1995 during five different three day tournaments, and included anatomical site, injury type, maneuver performed, and treatment required. A total of 56 injuries were recorded. The most common involved the spine (27), followed by the lower extremity (17), and the upper extremity (6). In addition, an injury which appears to be completely flexion injury to the metatarsophalangeal joint of the great toe, was prevalent. Overall most of the injuries occurred during a defensive dive (or dig) or during a jump serve. The differences in the composition of the playing surface (sand vs. hard court) and the total court area covered in beach volleyball by 2 players vs. the area ccvered in indoor volleyball by 6 players probably are significant factors in the type and rate of injury. In summary, the injuries sustained in beach volleyball athletes have not previously been documented and include injuries that are unique to the sport. Treatment and prevention of these injuries should be sport-specific.