Prevention Program for Young Squash Players - Impacts on Physical Performance and Hamstring Injuries

Abstract

Abstract

Hamstring injuries are more common among squash female players compared to male and also, more frequent in youths compared to older players. The aims of the present study were to investigate the effects of a prevention program on physical performance and hamstring injuries in youth female squash players between 16 and 18 years of age. Randomized controlled trial study. Seventeen girls from local squash club, were randomly assigned to either an experimental (EXP, n = 9) or control (CON, n = 8) group and assessed at baseline and 8 weeks on isokinetic and isometric strength protocols for the quadriceps and hamstrings, isometric hip adduction and abduction strength, countermovement jump (CMJ), and Illinois agility tests. The intervention is a 15-min program consisting of ten exercises for lower extremity strength, and core muscles, jumps and balance exercises and was performed 5 times a week for 8 weeks in connection with the warm-up before squash training. The control group performed its’ usual training. There was difference between the intervention and control groups in the change in physical performance from the pre-to post-test for all of the tests used. In addition, the hamstring injuries per 1000 hours of training and playing squash was 5.7 in the intervention group and 7.5 in the control group, which equates to 20% fewer injuries in the intervention group. The greatest effects were observed for mild injuries and injuries incurred during training. An injury prevention program that was performed five times a week in connection with the warm-up was improving squash specific performance and reduces hamstring injuries, especially in youth female squash players.

Keywords: Physical performance, injury prevention, squash, youth, hamstrings injuries.