Abstract
IntroductionEpidemiological injury surveillance in professional sports is often based on online media analysis in order to collect necessary data. However, the validation of this study protocol is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the validity of injury surveillance in men’s professional team sports based on media reports.MethodsIn a retrospective cohort study, the validity of media-data-relating injuries was investigated in participating teams of the highest two German divisions in men’s professional basketball (BB) and handball (HB) in the season 2018/2019. Injury protocols completed by the team physicians were compared to those of sports media injury reports.ResultsThe study population was composed of 133 athletes (54 BB and 79 HB). Of 343 injuries reported by the team physicians, 151 (44%) could be identified by means of sports media reports. Severe injuries (n = 75, 72%) were reported more likely in sports media compared to less severe injuries (n = 76, 32%, p < 0.00001). Odds ratio (OR) was 5.33 (95% CI 3.22–8.82). No differences regarding injury reporting could be seen between the two team sports.ConclusionFor severe injuries, media analysis may be a sufficient method for data collection in popular men’s professional ball sports. An underestimation of true injury prevalence lies within the range of previous reported investigations concerning the validation of injury surveillance methods. Non-severe injuries could not be verified via media analysis in professional handball and basketball.
Highlights
Epidemiological injury surveillance in professional sports is often based on online media analysis in order to collect necessary data
Due to a lack of validation of this study protocol, this study aimed to identify the validity of injury surveillance based on media reports
Detailed information was given to every team, and informed consent was obtained from every study participant
Summary
Epidemiological injury surveillance in professional sports is often based on online media analysis in order to collect necessary data. This study aimed to identify the validity of injury surveillance in men’s professional team sports based on media reports. Methods In a retrospective cohort study, the validity of media-data-relating injuries was investigated in participating teams of the highest two German divisions in men’s professional basketball (BB) and handball (HB) in the season 2018/2019. The multidirectional composition and high intensity with body contact lead to huge load on musculoskeletal system of basketball and handball athletes [23, 32, 34, 35]. These analogical profiles of movement explain the similarities in injuries distribution. The injury pattern is predominated by injuries of the lower extremities, in particular of the knee and ankle [22, 28, 29]
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