A comparison of the injuries sustained by female basketball and netball players.

Abstract

A prospective and reliable method of injury surveillance was implemented to document a comprehensive injury profile in female basketball and netball. The study further aimed to compare the injury profiles of the two sports. Trained observers viewed basketball and netball games, noting the occurrence of injuries. Injuries were confirmed by questioning all players on site after the game. Injured players completed a questionnaire and the progress of their injury was monitored by telephone interview. A total of 16,162 player participations were observed; 6,972 for basketball and 9,190 for netball. Comparable injury rates were observed for female basketball and netball players; 18.22 and 17.30 injuries per 1,000 participations, respectively. The ankle, hand and knee were the body parts injured most frequently in both sports, whilst head and neck injuries were prevalent in basketball only. Netball players sustained severe injuries at a rate 3.3 times that of female basketball players. The major and severe injuries occurred at an average of one injury in 625 games in female basketball and one in 250 games in netball. The ankle, knee and calf/shin were the body parts most frequently involved in the more serious injuries.