Epidemiological Patterns of Alternative Racquet-Sport Injuries in the United States, 1997-2016

Abstract

Background:Racquet sports have increased in popularity over the past decade. Although research is available regarding the epidemiological characteristics of tennis injuries, little is known about the frequency and characteristics of injuries in other racquet sports.Hypothesis:Given the increase in all racquet sport participation in the United States (US), it is hypothesized that injuries have accordingly become more frequent.Study Design:Descriptive epidemiology study.Methods:Using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database, we reviewed the numbers of badminton and squash/racquetball injuries presenting to a representative sample of US emergency departments (EDs). We used weighted estimates to extrapolate the data to the US population. Incidence estimates were compared with national participation data and stratified.Results:A total of 4330 injuries were reported, representing an estimated 173,000 injuries presenting to US EDs from 1997 through 2016. Despite the increase in the number of players from 2006 through 2016, the annual injury rate for squash/racquetball declined significantly, including the rates for each body region assessed. No similar trend was found for badminton injuries. Within our extrapolated ED cohort, the lower extremities were the most common body region injured (37%). Strains/sprains were the most common injury type in the trunk (73%), lower extremities (65%), and upper extremities (32%), whereas lacerations were most common in the head/neck (49%). In badminton, the youngest players (age range, 5-18 years) sustained twice as many fractures (relative risk [RR], 1.96; 95% CI, 1.14-3.38) and almost 3 times as many lacerations as patients in any other age group. Similarly, the youngest squash/racquetball players were at highest risk for lacerations (RR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.22-1.73) and head and neck injuries (RR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.26-1.83).Conclusion:Although declines in rates of squash/racquetball injuries were observed, the increasing popularity of badminton, squash, and racquetball necessitates further preventive measures to improve player safety, with an emphasis on the youngest players.

The Relationship Between Core Endurance and Performance in National Female Badminton Athletes

“…t is estimated that the participation rate in badminton has increased by 22% from 2006 to 2016 [1]. Modern adaptations of the traditional rules, like reduction in badminton court sizes, and other factors such as jumps, lunges and unanticipated changes of direction and acceleration have turned badminton to a fast-paced sport maneuvering from midcourt to both court sides, forward, and backward to execute shots.…”

“…Modern adaptations of the traditional rules, like reduction in badminton court sizes, and other factors such as jumps, lunges and unanticipated changes of direction and acceleration have turned badminton to a fast-paced sport maneuvering from midcourt to both court sides, forward, and backward to execute shots. These moves make the ankles, knees, and hip joints of badminton athletes go through flexed and extended positions [1,2]. Badminton is performed on a hard surface; therefore, athlete's joints may be subject to high ground reaction forces [2].…”

“…During a single-leg landing, knee valgus moment increases in badminton athletes with weak trunk flexion and these conditions predispose them to ACL injury [3]. For these reasons, 63.1% of injuries occur in the lower extremities (especially the knee [37.1%] and ankle [28.3%]) in badminton [1].…”

“…Badminton requires good balance and agility; the relationship between agility and performance during a badminton game is r=0.83 [4]. Approximately 50% of injuries in badminton have occurred in females from 2001 to 2016 [1]. Players aged 5 to 18 years comprised the largest age group (58%) and most injuries (40%) occurred in schools/public properties.…”

“…Strains/sprains were the most frequent sustained injuries (45%). Injuries most prevalently occurred in the trunk (56%) and lower extremity (69%) [1]. Badminton players aged 5 to 18 years had a higher risk of fractures and lacerations, than those of any other age groups [1].…”