Basketball

What are we trying to find out?

We are trying to find out what injuries youth basketball players sustain during their regular season, and why they get them. This helps us determine who is more at risk for specific injuries, as well as the impact those injuries have on players. We use this information to create and test a basketball specific injury prevention program to reduce those injuries.

Who is participating in this study?

High School and Club Basketball players aged 12-18 years old in Calgary.

Why are we doing this research?

Basketball is one of the most popular sports in Canada, with lower limb injures being the most common. These injuries, which include knee and ankle injuries, can be career ending. To date most research has been done with adults and professional players, which means we don't really understand how these injuries can start, or their impact on pre-professional players. If we can determine that information, we will be able to design a program that will reduce those injuries, reducing the impact of preventable injuries on players and teams.

What do participants have to do?

Players complete a pre-season fitness testing session. During the basketball season, players detail information on their injuries, attendance at games and practices, and report any pain. Should participants be suspected of having a specific knee or ankle injury, they see a Sport Medicine Physician, Physiotherapist, Biomechanist, and Radiologist at the Sport Medicine Centre, University of Calgary regarding the injury.