Sports injuries in male goalball athletes: frequency, types, affected body parts, and return to sport in competition and training

Abstract

Visually impaired individuals have higher risk of injuries particularly in sports like goalball. It is specifically designed for the visually impaired people. It is imperative to prevent injuries prior to their occurrence for avoiding negative effects on sporting success, financial losses, and motivation. This study was aimed to determine the frequency and injury types of male goalball athletes in competition and training, as well as regarding the affected body parts, treatment, and time for return to sports. A total of 163 visually impaired male athletes having participated in the Turkish Goalball National competitions were analysed. This cross-sectional descriptive study was the first to present injuries in Turkish male goalball athletes. It collected demographic information, details regarding frequency, type, and injury sites, post-injury treatment, and time for return to sports, in both competition and training. The study found that 50.31% participants sustained injuries in competition, while 44.79% in training. Wrist and hand were the most frequent injured areas with sprains being the dominant injury. Over 50% athletes did not receive treatment. The majority returned to sport in less than a week. A substantial number of male goalball athletes experienced sport injuries in competition or training. However, the rate of medical support after injuries was low. The injury risks did not only stem from visual impairment, but such factors also brought vulnerability toward injuries in male goalball athletes. It was thus vital to prevent injuries in visually impaired individuals and increase sporting success in goalball. Preventive strategies could be developed for injuries in goalball athletes via collaboration with multidisciplinary team.

Keywords

• male goalball athletes
• goalball
• sport injury