Risk factors for injury and illness in youth floorball players – A prospective cohort study

Abstract

ObjectivesTo investigate risk factors for injury and illness in female and male youth floorball players (12–17 years) during a 26-week floorball season. DesignProspective cohort study. SettingRecreational youth sport. Participants471 players (142 females) 12-17 years. Main outcome measuresWeekly survey including questions about stress, sleep quality, well-being, sport exposure and average weekly rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR) was calculated. The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center questionnaire on health problems was used. Predictors of new injury and illness were examined using multi-level logistic regression models with weekly measures nested within individuals. ResultsHigher stress, poorer sleep quality and well-being increased the odds of a new injury in the subsequent week by 8% (2.0–13.5%), 10% (4.2–15.9%) and 8% (2.4–13.5%) per 1 unit increase. Higher stress, and poorer well-being increased the odds of illness by 8% (2.6–12.6%), and 12% (7.2–16.6%). ACWR below 0.8 or above 1.3 increased the odds of illness by 34% (4.9–70.8%). ConclusionsPerceived stress, well-being, and sleep quality were associated with injury and illness occurrence in the subsequent week. ACWR outside the range 0.8–1.3 was associated with illness the subsequent week. Trial registrationClinical Trials registration NCT03309904.