The Netball Injury Incidence and Aetiology Evidence Base: A Scoping Review of Methodologies and Recommendations for Future Approaches.

Abstract

Background Netball is a sport with a large participation base and a high risk of injuries. The development of effective prevention strategies to minimise injury is dependent upon a clear understanding of the sports injury problems, aetiology and mechanisms. Thus, appropriate research methodologies are essential to accurately identify the injury evidence base. The objective of this scoping review was to map out the characteristics and range of netball injury research methodologies, identify limitations and provide guidance for future research. Methods A systematic, librarian assisted search of seven scientific databases from 1985 to March 2023 identified relevant studies. All peer-reviewed studies assessing injury incidence, aetiology and mechanisms in netball were included. Results Screening of 642 studies identified 61netball injury studies (67% descriptive epidemiology: 56% analysing hospital/insurance data, 44% netball competitions; 33% analytic epidemiology). Across studies considerable variation exists in study designs, injury definitions, methods of data collection and reporting, calculation of injury incidence and classification of study populations. The 20 analytic studies assessed a wide range of injury risk factors, but 70% used a simplistic reductionist approach to determine causality, limiting understanding of injury causes. Methods of recording injury mechanisms relied on simple descriptions, based on athlete self-report or medical staff reporting, reducing the accuracy of information. Consequently, these methodological issues make it difficult to identify clear injury issues across age groups and playing levels. Conclusion The findings highlight the use of heterogeneous and inappropriate methodologies for analysis of the incidence, causes and mechanisms of netball injuries. Standardisation of methodologies for the collection of injury data, and assessment of risk factors and mechanisms is essential. A multifactorial approach is required to assess the complex interaction between multiple risk factors, player load and the injury inciting event. This will provide a more accurate evidence base to inform effective preventative strategies.