Prevalence, Risk Factors and Pattern of Injuries Among the Volleyball Players in the Kenya Volleyball Federation League: a Season’s Review
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Date
2023Author
Hussein, Ibrahim H
Type
ThesisLanguage
enMetadata
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Background: Volleyball is a popular sport and injuries are relatively common. Past research
has consistently indicated a high prevalence of injuries in volleyball. Player demographic
characteristics and various other factors have been found to increase the risk of injuries.
These injuries result in significant time loss and economic consequences. Therefore, it is
crucial to identify the factors that make players more susceptible to injuries to develop an
effective preventive strategy.
Objective: To determine the prevalence, risk factors and pattern of injuries among volleyball
players in the Kenya Volleyball Federation league during a season (2021/2022).
Design and Setting: Descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Nyayo stadium
training grounds of selected volleyball teams.
Participants and Methods: 25 Volleyball teams (166 players). 16 male teams (104) and 9
female teams (62). Proportionate sampling method was used. A structured interviewer
administered questionnaire used to collect data from eligible participants.
Data analysis: SPSS version 25 was used and statistical test was performed at a 95% level of
significance.
Results: 56 injuries reported among 166 athletes. Injury prevalence was 33.7% (34.6% Male,
32.2% Female). More injuries occurred during game (69.5%, n= 39) than during training
(30.5%, n=17). Blocking (50.9% p<0.001), spiking (31.4% p<0.001), setting (11.8%
p<0.001) were more likely to lead to injury. Most injuries sustained by players in the centre
front (35.7%), right front (21.4%) and left front (19.6%) positions. Ankle (48.2%), knee
(32.1%) and shoulder (23.2%) were anatomical regions most injured. Sprain (44.6%) was the
commonest type of injury followed by muscle injury (30.4%). History of previous ankle
injury (OR: 2.17, CI 95%: 1.41–3.39). Strength training and skill drills (OR: 2.1 CI 95%: 1.0
– 4.0). Demographic characteristics (p>0.237), use of protective gears like knee brace (OR:
7.4 CI 95%:0.5 – 398), play surface and the duration of playing volleyball did not have a
significant association with the occurrence of injuries.
Conclusion: The study showed high injury prevalence. Front row court positions, situations
like blocking, spiking and setting as well as match period are likely to lead to injury. Ankle is
the commonest body region injured and sprain is the commonest type of injury. History of
previous ankle injury was significantly associated with repeat injuries. Use of strength and
skill drills during training was associated with lower risk of injury.
Recommendation: We recommend that the players engage more in strength and skill drills,
particularly the players in the front row. Additionally, there is a need for further prospective
research to evaluate the effectiveness of prevention strategies. It is also essential to
investigate the long-term impacts of injuries.
Publisher
University of Nairobi
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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United StatesUsage Rights
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/us/Collections
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