Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Lower Extremity Injuries in Japanese Collegiate Men's Basketball Players

Background:The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic significantly affected the lives of Japanese collegiate men's basketball players. Purpose:To describe the incidence of lower extremity injuries in Japanese collegiate men's basketball during the COVID-19 pandemic and examine the effects of the pandemic on injury patterns. Study Design:Descriptive epidemiological study. Methods:Using data from a surveillance project of the Department of Medicine and Science of the Kanto Collegiate Basketball Federation, the authors included data from 6 men's basketball teams during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons (11 team seasons). Injury rates per 1000 athlete-exposures (AEs) were calculated according to injury type, location, and frequency. Injury burden was estimated by multiplying the injury rate by the mean days lost. Injuries from the 2020-21 to 2021-22 seasons were compared with those before the pandemic (2013-14 to 2019-20 seasons) using injury rate ratios (IRRs), with significant differences indicated when the 95% CI did not include 1.0. Results:In total, 135 lower extremity injuries were reported during 27,249 AEs. The overall injury rate of the 2020-21 to 2021-22 seasons was significantly higher than that of the 2013-14 to 2019-20 seasons (IRR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.12-1.67). Lateral ankle sprains (IRR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.02-1.86), hamstring strains (IRR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.34-6.12), jumper's knee (IRR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.13-6.37), and stress fractures of the proximal fifth metatarsal (IRR, 7.16; 95% CI, 1.31-39.08) were significantly higher during the 2020-21 to 2021-22 seasons compared with the 2013-14 to 2019-20 seasons. Conclusion:The rate of lower extremity injuries increased significantly in Japanese collegiate men's basketball players during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of this study emphasize the importance of optimal screening and specific loads for injury prevention when detraining periods are anticipated.

Automated summary

This study investigated the incidence of lower extremity injuries in Japanese collegiate men's basketball players during the COVID-19 pandemic and found that the injury rate was significantly higher during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons compared to previous seasons. Specifically, lateral ankle sprains, hamstring strains, jumper's knee, and stress fractures of the proximal fifth metatarsal were more prevalent. These findings highlight the importance of appropriate screening and specific training loads to prevent injuries during detraining periods.