No relationship between a movement screening test and risk of overuse problems in low back, shoulder, and knee in elite handball players—A prospective cohort study

Abstract

Many handball studies have reported injuries that cause absence from participation. In this prospective cohort study on elite Icelandic male players, the aim was to examine the prevalence of overuse problems in low back, knee, and shoulder. Sixteen Icelandic teams were invited. Thirteen teams agreed to participate. The OSTRC overuse questionnaire was distributed every second week during 32-week period. In addition, the 9+ Screening Test was performed on 130 players. In total, 229 players participated with a weekly average response rate of 72%. The average weekly prevalence for shoulder was 28% (95% CI 25% to 31%), for knee 33% (95% CI 30% to 36%), and for low back 32% (95% CI 29% to 35%). Substantial problems were 10% (95% CI 9% to 11%) in shoulder and knee and 11% (95%CI 10% to 12%) in low back. Only 1% (95% CI 1% to 2%) of the overuse problems caused time loss from participation. In total, 61% of the players played with at least one overuse problem and 25% with one affecting their performance. There was no association between the 9+ Screening Test score and overuse problems among Icelandic male handball players.