Incidence and prevalence of injury in adolescent female cricketers

Abstract

Background: Sustaining an injury as an adolescent cricketer can lead to poor performance, an increased risk of injury recurrence, and premature retirement from sports. The incidence and prevalence rate of injuries in adolescent male cricketers from South Africa range from 27% to 81%. However, the injury rate in adolescent female cricketers is unknown. Objectives: This non-experimental survey aimed to determine the incidence and prevalence of injury in adolescent female cricketers in a high school league in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Methods: There were 25 participants aged between 14 and 17 years (mean 15.9 ±1.2). The demographics and injury history were recorded using a questionnaire. The incidence and prevalence of injury per 100 match days were calculated. Results: Twenty-four injuries were recorded (14 new and 10 recurrent injuries). The overall incidence was 0.30 injuries per 100 match days. There were 0.24 non-time-loss injuries and 0.05 time-loss injuries per 100 match days. The injury prevalence was 3.5%. Injuries to the hand (0.06 injuries per 100 match days) and thigh (0.05 injuries per 100 match days) were the most common. Conclusion: The incidence and prevalence of injury in adolescent female cricketers were consistent with international research on elite female cricketers, with the hand and lower limbs remaining at significant risk of injury. It is recommended that future studies focus on investigating prevention strategies for hand and lower limb injuries in female cricketers..