A controlled prospective case control study of a prevention training program in female team handball players: the German experience.

BACKGROUND

Few authors have investigated the effectiveness of preventive intervention in European team handball.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a prevention program on the incidence of injuries in female European team handball players.

STUDY

DESIGN

Prospective controlled study.

METHODS

Ten female handball teams (134 players) took part in the prevention program (1. Information about injury mechanism, 2. Balance-board exercises, 3. Jump training) while 10 other teams (142 players) were instructed to train as usual. Over one season all injuries were documented weekly.

RESULTS

Ankle sprain was the most frequent diagnosis in both groups with 11 ankle sprains in the control group and 7 ankle sprains in the intervention group (Odds ratio: 0.55, 95% confidence interval: 0.22-1.43). The knee was the second frequent injury site. In the control group 5 of all knee injuries were anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures (incidence: 0.21 per 1000 h) in comparison with one in the intervention group (incidence: 0.04 per 1000 h). Odds ratio was 0.17 with 95% confidence interval of 0.02-1.5.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms that proprioceptive and neuromuscular training is appropriate for the prevention of knee and ankle injuries among female European team handball players.