An analytical study of sports injuries among handball players in the Republic of Yemen

Abstract

The study aimed to identify the degree of injury to handball players in the Republic of Yemen, to identify the common injuries among players in each playing position, to determine the most injured parts of the body in each playing position, to identify the causes of injuries in handball according to the opinions of coaches and experts, and to control safety and injury prevention factors. The study sample included: clubs from the Republic of Yemen registered with the Yemeni Handball Federation (first division clubs) from the governorates of the Republic of Yemen, 21 coaches, and 21 experts in handball and sports injuries. The researcher used the descriptive method, and the study tools were scientific references, previous studies, and a questionnaire. The study concluded that handball players are exposed to common injuries such as bruises, sprains, and dislocations, occurring especially in the shoulder, hand, wrist, upper arm, forearm, knee, ankle, thigh, leg, and foot. There are also differences in the body parts most susceptible to injury among handball players according to their playing positions. Goalkeepers are more prone to strains and bruises, and injuries are usually to the leg. Backcourt players are more prone to sprains, and injuries are usually to the shoulder. Frontcourt players are more prone to bruises, and injuries are usually to the wrist. And the ankle joint. The causes of injuries among handball players are numerous and varied. Most coaches and experts emphasize the existence of several factors that lead to player injuries, some related to the preparation period, some to the competition period, some to internal and external factors, and some to sportsmanship. Among the most important of these causes are short preparation periods and a lack of attention to them, players concealing injuries to participate in matches, including players in competitions after a long period of inactivity, in addition to neglecting nutrition, excessive emotional reactions during matches, high winds and heavy rain, unsuitable playing surfaces, deliberate roughness between players, poor refereeing, lack of attention to first aid, and the coach and doctor's failure to adhere to instructions. Coaches and experts emphasize that handball players can avoid injuries if they follow safety factors, primarily focusing on warm-up, strength training, and flexibility training. Prompt treatment of minor injuries and attention to proper nutrition.