Epidemiology of Injuries in National Collegiate Athletic Association Women's Volleyball: 2014–2015 Through 2018–2019
Avinash Chandran, Sarah N. Morris, Landon B. Lempke, Adrian J. Boltz, Hannah J. Robison, Christy L. Collins
Abstract
CONTEXT: Women's volleyball is a globally popular sport with widespread participation at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) level. BACKGROUND: Routine examinations of NCAA women's volleyball injuries are important for recognizing emerging injury-related patterns in this population. METHODS: Exposure and injury data collected in the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program during the 2014-2015 through 2018-2019 athletic years were analyzed. Injury counts, rates, and proportions were used to describe injury characteristics, and injury rate ratios were used to examine differences in injury rates. RESULTS: The overall injury rate was 6.73 per 1000 athlete-exposures. Knee (14.6%) and ankle (13.8%) injuries accounted for the largest proportion of all reported injuries, and most injuries were attributed to overuse (26.1%) or noncontact (22.7%) mechanisms. Lateral ankle ligament complex tears (11.1%) and concussions (7.3%) were the most commonly reported specific injury. SUMMARY: Results indicate an increasing burden of practice-related injuries and the need to further examine overuse injuries. Lower-extremity injury prevention strategies and mechanisms of concussion also warrant further attention.