Injury incidence rate, severity and diagnosis in male volleyball players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to record the injury incidence in all age categories in male volleyball players and clarify the role of age in injury occurrence. The injury incidence rate, severity, diagnosis and the anatomical location of the injuries that occurred during practice and competition in the whole championship period were recorded prospectively during the period 2005-2006. A total of 407 Greek male volleyball players participating in all Volleyball Championships in Greece according to the Greek Volleyball Federation have been observed on a weekly basis for the period 2005-2006. The injury incidence rate was recorded as the number of injured players and also the number of injuries per player per year (total exposure time). The results revealed that injury occurrence is age related and junior volleyball players have a lower injury rate than senior ones. There were significantly more acute injuries in comparison to overuse syndrome and the ankle was the most common injured anatomical location. Finally, outside hitters, universals and setters presented different injury rates to other players and the "incorrect sprawls" and "stepping on others' feet" were the most common injury factors. In conclusion, findings in the injury occurrence rate must be interpreted in relation to the total exposure time in order to have more realistic conclusions.

An analysis of the sports injuries occurred in competitions in Men’s Volleyball League during five year period (2011-2016)

“…They reported 248 injuries over a total exposure time of 110.596 h, representing an overall incidence of 0.60 injuries per player. Zetou et al (2006) and Beneka et al (2009) found higher results than those found in our study. In addition to these studies, Aagaard and Jorgensen (1996) previously reported a rate of injuries corresponding to 1.5 injuries per player for Danish male volleyball players.…”

“…As opposed to our study, Kugler et al (2006) reported 1294 injuries among 625 indoor volleyball players, representing an overall incidence of 0.22 injuries per player per year. It might be considered that differences of results between our study and other studies such as Zetou et al (2006), Kugler et al (2006), and Beneka et al (2009) are due to differences of league levels and using different research methods employed in the studies. There are many studies related to sports injuries which focus on the relationship between sports injuries and performance levels.…”

“…For example, Zetou et al (2006) analyzed 114 Greek Volleyball players who participated in the Volleyball Championship including the A1 and A2 national division and the local championships, and reported that 363 injuries occurred, during a total exposure time of 134.200 h/year for 5 years, representing an overall incidence of 0.63 injuries per player. Similarly, Beneka et al (2009) conducted a study on 407 Greek male volleyball players. They reported 248 injuries over a total exposure time of 110.596 h, representing an overall incidence of 0.60 injuries per player.…”

“…In our study, the results were analyzed for player hours (1000 h), where the incidence of injuries was 0.68/1000 hours, temporary and serious injuries incidence were 0.47 and 0.21, respectively. Beneka et al (2009) reported 2.4 injuries per 1000 h of training and games per player. Incidence of acute injuries was found as 2.0 per 1000 hours in another study carried out by Verhagen et al (2004).…”

Isokinetic Performance of Shoulder External and Internal Rotators in Adolescent Male Volleyball Athletes

“…Reeser et al [13] reported that 57% of male volleyball athletes (21.5 years average age) informed them of a history of shoulder problems during the preceding competitive season. However, Beneka et al [14] recorded the injury rate of all age categories of Greek male volleyball and confirmed that the prevalence of injuries for 15-18-year-old volleyball players was significantly lower than that for older players. According to Reeser et al [10], age, position played, and serving style are three possible factors associated with shoulder problems.…”