Injury incidence rate, severity and diagnosis in male volleyball players

The aim of this study was to record the injury incidence in all age categories in male volleyball players and clarify the role of age in injury occurrence. The injury incidence rate, severity, diagnosis and the anatomical location of the injuries that occurred during practice and competition in the whole championship period were recorded prospectively during the period 2005-2006. A total of 407 Greek male volleyball players participating in all Volleyball Championships in Greece according to the Greek Volleyball Federation have been observed on a weekly basis for the period 2005-2006. The injury incidence rate was recorded as the number of injured players and also the number of injuries per player per year (total exposure time). The results revealed that injury occurrence is age related and junior volleyball players have a lower injury rate than senior ones. There were significantly more acute injuries in comparison to overuse syndrome and the ankle was the most common injured anatomical location. Finally, outside hitters, universals and setters presented different injury rates to other players and the "incorrect sprawls" and "stepping on others' feet" were the most common injury factors. In conclusion, findings in the injury occurrence rate must be interpreted in relation to the total exposure time in order to have more realistic conclusions. © 2009 Springer-Verlag Italia.