2017, Vol. 4, Issue 3, Part C

Objective: to determine the prevalence and pattern of injuries involved in varsity basketball players.

Methods: The study involving 84 varsity basketball players (38 boys and 36 girls; with age range 17 – 28 years). Injuries to players during 2014–2016 seasons were registered by using a questionnaire.

Results: A total of 68 injuries were recorded with an incidence of 80.95 injuries per 100 participants with the highest incidence being noted during competition same for boys and girls. Jumping/landing was the most common cause of injury (25%, N =17), followed by collision (20.50%, N = 14). Most of the injuries were at the lower extremities (62%, N = 42); with majority at the knee joint (26%, N = 18) and ankle/foot (19%, N = 13). Ligament sprain was the most common types of injury (41%, N = 28). Most injuries (N = 49, 72.6%) occurred in the offensive half of the court and cryotherapy was the most frequently used management modality.

Conclusion: The overall incidence of injury among varsity basketball players was 80.95 injuries per 100 participants. The male gender exhibited a greater risk of injury than the female gender. Majority of the injuries were to the lower extremities and knee and ligament sprains were the most reported injuries. Exercise-based injury prevention programmes intended at improving strength and neuromuscular control may help to reduce the incidence of injuries.