Prevalence, Risk Factors and Pattern of Injuries Among the Volleyball Players in the Kenya Volleyball Federation League: a Season’s Review

Abstract

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.