Abstract
Objective. To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries among adolescent squash players in the Western Cape. Design. A retrospective descriptive survey was conducted during the first week of May 2006. Three schools were randomly selected from a list of the top 10 schools in the Western Cape high school squash league of 2005, with 106 squash players aged 13 - 18 years participating in the study. Setting. Injury data were collected for 106 players at three schools randomly selected from a list of the top 10 schools in the Western Cape high school squash league of 2005. Interventions. An adapted structured self-administered questionnaire based on a previously validated musculoskeletal injury questionnaire was used to collect the data. Main outcome measures. The main variables investigated were prevalence, mechanism and injury site of musculoskeletal squash injuries. Results. Twenty-nine per cent of the players (N = 31) reported that they had sustained a squash injury in the 4 weeks prior to data collection. A total of 48 injuries were reported by the injured players. The most common injuries included those of the thigh (19%), shoulder (13%) and lower back (13%). Forty-two per cent of players reported no specific mechanism of injury, but experienced pain not associated with a traumatic injury only while playing squash. Conclusion. A relatively high prevalence of squash injuries was found. This preliminary study serves as a baseline for future research. Areas for further investigation were identified and this could lead to the implementation of preventive programmes and education to prevent injuries among adolescent squash players. South African Journal of Sports Medicine Vol. 19 (1) 2007: pp. 3-8
Highlights
Squash has been identified as a fast-growing sport.[10]
Twenty-nine per cent of the players (N = 31) reported that they had sustained a squash injury in the 4 weeks prior to data collection
In view of the short time available for the study, this indicates a relatively high prevalence of squash injuries and further studies of injuries in adolescent squash players could be of high value
Summary
Squash has been identified as a fast-growing sport.[10] There are currently 15 million players worldwide from 135 participating nations.[10] The ongoing increase in popularity has been associated with an increase in competitive levels in school leagues, at provincial level and even at national level. Young squash players are participating at relatively more competitive levels of play compared with 20 years ago.[10] This shift in focus among young people from enjoyment of physical activity to competitiveness is placing high demands on the musculoskeletal and physical systems.[10]. Squash-related musculoskeletal injuries can occur to the upper and lower limbs or back.[11] The general injury prevalence among squash players is about 45%.3. The shoulder joint is the most frequently injured upper-limb region.[3]
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