Occurrence and Patterns of Musculoskeletal Injuries of Female Volleyball Players: A Study of North and Central Gondar Under 17 Volleyball Projects

Abstract

Volleyball is a dynamic sport exposing athletes to risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Understanding the occurrence, patterns, and risk factors is essential for effective prevention. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and patterns of musculoskeletal injuries among female under-17 volleyball players in the North and Central Gondar projects. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. A total of 45 female volleyball players from three selected projects in North and Central Gondar were included. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and injury history were collected using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test to evaluate associations between variables. The study identified several statistically significant associations with injury exposure. Injury occurrence was found to be high among players with lower ages, weights, and years of experience. The anatomical distribution showed that the Upper Extremity was the most frequently injured area, reported by 21 players (46.7%), compared to the Lower Extremity (15.6%). Most injuries occurred during matches compared to team training, and the occurrence was higher on concrete fields than grass courts. New injuries (48.9%) were more common than recurrent injuries (13.3%).Musculoskeletal injuries are a concern for young female volleyball players in the study area, with demographic factors (lower age/experience) and extrinsic factors (playing surface, match play) significantly contributing to risk. The high prevalence of upper extremity injuries demands immediate focus for intervention programs.