Preventive Strategies for Spinal Injury in Youth Handball Players

Abstract

Competitive sport life can be seen as an arena where you must prove the highest abilities and sometimes the impossible of human body. To achieve such competency in a specific sport area takes time, effort and sometimes, at some point in career, an injury. A controversial issue appears to be: how to prevent injuries in sports? This paper underline the role of prevention of wide spectrum of spinal injuries and highlights the inherent weakness of immature spine of youth players that can may be a disadvantage not only for lesions which mirror at young age but also in adults. Youth handball athletes cannot and should not be regarded as adult players. The young athlete's musculoskeletal system is constantly changing and this can be one of the possible causes of injuries. When different and specific types of forces act on spine with specific limitations in young players, it is very important to maintain a good core stability to protect the spine and its surrounding structures. An injury prevention program have been developed to improve core stability and to reduce sports-related injuries at youth handball players. The specific advantages of a good core stability are discussed in depth with a particular focus on spine injuries prevention.