Characteristics and Risk Factors of Badminton Injuries/Pain in Japanese University Badminton Players

Abstract

Purposes: To investigate characteristics of badminton injuries/pain, and then to assess injuries/pain risk factors in Japanese university badminton players using medical check-up.

Materials and Methods: A questionnaire survey and physical fitness tests of medical check-up were used. 51 university badminton players (25 males and 26 females) were involved in the study. Traumatic injuries, gradual-onset injuries, and pain were assessed and categorized.

Results: In total, 280 injuries and pain were reported consisting of 29 traumatic injuries, 46 gradual-onset injuries, and 205 pain. Injury incidence rate was 2.14 per 1,000 athlete-hours of exposures. Shoulder was the most common site of pain. Players with present shoulder pain showed significantly greater straight leg raising angle and weak balance ability compared with pain free players.

Conclusion: Among university badminton players, badminton-associated pain was common, and shoulder was the most common site of pain. Greater straight leg raising angle and weak balance ability might result in shoulder pain.