Injury Prevention in Sports

Abstract

Sports injuries can occur and may cause significant discomfort and disability. They may also be associated with considerable medical expenses. The objective of this article was to evaluate the current evidence-based effectiveness of sports injury prevention strategies. The authors assessed both intrinsic and extrinsic injury prevention strategies. However, determination of the relative contribution of each component was not determined in the multifaceted intervention studies. Among the interventions that used multiple components, including various combinations of warm-up, strengthening, stretching, and plyometric and balance exercises, the authors could not identify which of the components was effective. Among the extrinsic strategies, including mouthguards, face shields, helmets, bracing, insoles and orthotics, breakaway bases, and sport-specific rules, the authors found that ankle bracing, helmets, face shields, and mouthguards were effective. Studies of breakaway bases and sport-specific rules had methodological flaws that made interpretation difficult. Much future research is needed to identify modifiable risk factors that will lead to the development of new interventions. In addition, studies of new interventions should adhere to rigorous methodology to assess their effectiveness.