Injury in netball players

NewsBot · Dec 12, 2014

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The effects of sport-specific and minimalist footwear on the kinetics and kinematics of three netball-specific movements
J. Sinclair, N. Chockalingam, R. Naemi & H. Vincent
Footwear Science Volume 7, Issue 1, 2015

Netball is associated with a high frequency of chronic injuries. There is currently a trend towards the utilisation of minimalist footwear in netball players in lieu of traditional netball trainers. The aim of the current investigation was to examine the influence of netball-specific and minimalist footwear on the kinetics and three-dimensional (3-D) kinematics of three sport specific movements. Twelve female netballers performed three movements, run, cut and vertical jump, whilst wearing a conventional netball trainer and also a minimalist trainer. 3-D kinematics of the lower extremities were measured using an eight-camera motion analysis system alongside kinetic information which was obtained using a force platform. Kinetic/3-D kinematic differences between movements wearing different footwear were examined using paired t-tests. The kinetic analysis revealed that impact parameters were significantly greater in the minimalist footwear in comparison to the netball shoe for all three movements. In addition peak ankle eversion was shown to be significantly greater in the minimalist footwear in the running movement condition. The current study therefore suggests that the utilisation of minimalist footwear for netball training/performance may place netballers at increased risk from chronic injuries based on which a continued utilisation of netball-specific footwear may be recommended.
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Admin2 · Dec 12, 2014

Related Thread:
Blisters with netballer

NewsBot · Dec 22, 2014

The effect of external ankle support on the kinematics and kinetics of the lower limb during a side step cutting task in netballers
Andrew John Greene, Max Christian Stuelcken, Richard Murray Smith and Benedicte Vanwanseele
BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation 2014, 6:42 doi:10.1186/2052-1847-6-42

Background
Excessive knee valgus moments are considered to be a risk factor for non-contact injuries in female athletes. Knee injuries are highly prevalent in netballers and are significant in terms of cost and disability. The aim of the study was to identify if changes in external ankle support mechanisms effect the range of motion and loading patterns at the ankle and knee joint during a sidestep cutting manoeuvre in high performance netball players.

Methods
Netballers with no previously diagnosed ankle or knee injury (n = 10) were recruited from NSW Institute of Sport netball programme. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected simultaneously using a 3-D Motion Analysis System and a force platform to measure ground reaction forces. Players performed repeated side step cutting manoeuvres whilst wearing a standard netball shoe, the same shoe with a lace-up brace and a high-top shoe.

Results
The brace condition significantly reduced ankle joint ROM in the sagittal plane by 8.9[degree sign] +/- 2.4 when compared to the standard netball shoe (p = 0.013). No other significant changes were seen between conditions for either kinematic or kinetic data. All shoe conditions did however produce knee valgus moments throughout the cutting cycle that were greater than those considered excessive in the previous literature (0.59 Nm / kg-Bwt).

Conclusions
The results show that an external ankle support brace can be used to reduce the ROM at the ankle in the sagittal plane without affecting the loading of the joints of the lower limb. Internal varus moments generated at the knee during the task were however greater than values reported in the literature to classify excessive knee joint moments, regardless of the condition. All netballers exhibited lower extremity patterns and alignments previously associated with increased peak external valgus moments including; increasing hip abduction, peak hip flexion and internal rotation during early contact and high laterally directed ground reaction forces. Increased external valgus knee loads have been strongly linked to the development of non-contact injuries at the knee in female athletes and could highlight a potential mechanism for the development non-contact knee injuries in netballers performing side step cutting tasks.
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NewsBot · Aug 25, 2015

Effects of conventional and minimalist footwear on patellofemoral and Achilles tendon kinetics during netball specific movements
J. Sinclair et al
Comparative Exercise Physiology; In Press

Netball is a physically demanding sport that is associated with a high incidence of chronic injuries. Currently there is a trend towards the utilisation of minimalist footwear in netball players as opposed to more conventional netball trainers. The current investigation aimed to examine the effects of netball specific and minimalist footwear on patellofemoral and Achilles tendon loads during netball specific motions. Fifteen female netballers performed both run and cut movements when wearing conventional netball footwear and also a minimalist trainer. Kinematics of the lower extremities were quantified using a motion analysis system alongside ground reaction force information which was obtained using a force platform. Patellofemoral force (PTF), patellofemoral pressure (PP) and Achilles tendon forces (ATF) were quantified using predictive methods and examined between footwear using repeated measures ANOVA. The results indicate that patellofemoral loads (run – PTF: netball specific = 5.56 / minimalist = 4.74 body weight (BW); – PP: netball specific = 13.17 / minimalist = 11.89 MPa; cut – PTF: netball specific = 5.65 / minimalist = 4.82 BW; – PP; netball specific = 14.05 / minimalist = 12.88 MPa) were significantly larger in the conventional footwear compared to minimalist in both movements. Achilles tendon forces (run: netball specific = 4.43 / minimalist = 5.47; cut: netball specific = 4.32 / minimalist = 5.29 BW) were however significantly larger in the minimalist compared to the conventional footwear. Taking the proposed association between knee loading and patellofemoral pathology, the risk from knee injuries in netballers may be reduced via minimalist footwear. However, taking into account the equivalent increases in Achilles tendon forces, this may increase the likelihood of overuse Achilles tendon injuries.
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NewsBot · Nov 14, 2015

The Effect of Ankle Bracing on Landing Biomechanics in Female Netballers
Anna Ruth Mason-Mackay, Chris Whatman, Duncan Reid, Anna Lorimer
Physical Therapy in Sport ; Article in Press

Highlights
•The effect of ankle bracing on landing biomechanics was investigated.
•Ankle bracing may increase leg and joint stiffness during landing.
•Ankle bracing may decrease knee and ankle joint sagittal excursion during landing.
•These effects may predispose young netballers to injury.
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Objectives
Investigate the impact of lace-up ankle braces on landing biomechanics.

Design
Within-subject repeated measures. Participants completed a drop jump, drop land, and netball-specific task in braced and unbraced conditions.

Setting
Biomechanical research laboratory.

Participants
Twenty female high school netballers.

Main Outcome Measures
Leg, knee, and ankle stiffness, knee/ankle stiffness ratio, knee and ankle sagittal excursion, peak vertical ground reaction force, time-to-peak vertical ground reaction force, and loading rate.

Results
In the brace condition leg stiffness increased bilaterally during the drop land (ES=0.21, 0.22), ankle stiffness increased bilaterally during the drop jump (ES=0.37, 0.29) and drop land (ES=0.40, 0.60), and knee/ankle stiffness ratio decreased in all three tasks (ES=-0.22 to -0.45). Ankle sagittal excursion decreased bilaterally during the drop jump (ES=-0.35,-0.53) and drop land (ES=-0.23,-46), and decreased in the lead limb during the netball jump (ES=-0.36). Knee excursion decreased bilaterally during the drop jump (ES=-0.36,-0.40) and in the lead limb during netball task (ES=-0.59). Lead limb TTP was greater during the netball jump (ES=0.41).

Conclusions
Lace-up ankle braces may increase leg and joint stiffness and reduced joint excursion during landing but do not appear to affect landing forces. The observed effect on landing biomechanics may predispose young netballers to injury.
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NewsBot · Dec 14, 2015

Chronic ankle instability does not affect the balance ability of netball players
AS Attenborough, PJ Sinclair, RM Smith, CE Hiller
Br J Sports Med 2015;49:A14 doi:10.1136/bjsports-2015-095573.34

Background Ankle sprains account for a large majority of injuries in netball. As a result of the rules of the sport balance is believed to be an essential component game-related athletic performance. Balance allows players in shooting positions to remain stable and aim for goal but also allows all players to obstruct a pass, or shot at goal, by holding a stable defensive position whilst maintaining the ground distance rule.

Objective To determine the effect of a previous ankle sprain on the balance of netball players.

Design Cross-sectional study.

Setting Community spaces.

Participants Ninety-six female netball players. Participants were classified as uninjured, coper or CAI.

Intervention Participants performed the anterior, posterior-lateral and posterior-medial reach directions of the SEBT. Participants also performed single limb eyes-closed stance trials as well as trials of the demi-point balance test.

Main outcome measurements The dependent variables of interest were reach distances in the anterior, posterior-lateral and posterior-medial directions of the SEBT. Additionally the number of foot-lifts during 30 s of eyes-closed single limb stance was also assessed. The demi-pointe balance test was used to determine the ability of participants to stand unilaterally in a plantar flexed position for 5 s.

Results There were no differences in any balance test measures when comparing uninjured, coper and CAI netball players (p ≥ 0.05). Composite SEBT reach distance scores when normalised to leg length were 70.6 ? 6.3, 73.3 ? 7.4 and 70.9 ? 6.9 in the uninjured, coper and CAI groups, respectively. The number of foot-lifts during unilateral stance recorded in the uninjured, coper and CAI groups were 28.0 ? 11.4, 27.0 ? 10.4 and 30.3 ? 12.1, respectively. A failed demi-pointe balance test was reported in 26% of the uninjured group, 35% of the coper group and 33% of the CAI group.

Conclusions A previous ankle sprain had no effect on netball players’ ability to balance, irrespective of the presence of chronic ankle instability.
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NewsBot · Sep 26, 2016

The identification of risk factors for ankle sprains sustained during netball participation.
Attenborough AS et al
Phys Ther Sport. 2016 Jun 29;23:31-36. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2016.06.009

OBJECTIVES:
Ankle sprains account for a large percentage of injuries sustained in netball. The identification of risk factors for ankle sprain is the preliminary action required to inform future prevention strategies.
DESIGN:
Prospective study.
PARTICIPANTS:
Ninety-four netball players from club and inter-district teams.
METHODS:
Preseason data were collected for; vertical jump height, perceived ankle instability, sprain history, arthrometry inversion-eversion angles, star excursion balance test reach distances, the number of foot lifts during unilateral stance and demi-pointe balance test results. Participants were followed for the duration of one netball season and ankle sprains were recorded.
RESULTS:
Eleven sprains were recorded for eleven players using a time-loss definition of injury. Ankle sprains occurred at an incidence rate of 1.74/1000 h of netball exposure. One risk factor was identified to increase the odds of sustaining an ankle sprain during netball participation - a reach distance in the posterior-medial direction of the star excursion balance test of less than or equal to 77.5% of leg length (OR = 4.04, 95% CI = 1.00-16.35).
CONCLUSIONS:
The identified risk factor can be easily measured and should be considered for preseason injury risk profiling of netball players. Netball players may benefit from training programs aimed at improving single leg balance.
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NewsBot · Nov 15, 2016

EFFECTS OF CONVENTIONAL AND MINIMALIST
FOOTWEAR ON PATELLOFEMORAL KINETICS DURING
NETBALL SPECIFIC MOVEMENTS
H Vincent, S Atkins, J Sinclair.
10.1136/bjsports-2016-096442.50

Introduction Netball is a physically demanding sport that is
associated with a high incidence of chronic injuries. Netball
has been shown to be associated with a high rate of injury.1
The majority of netball injuries have been shown to occur in
the lower extremities at the knee and ankle.2 Of these injuries,
the majority are considered to be chronic in nature, and
relate to over utilization of lower limb musculoskeletal structures
during netball specific motions.3 Currently there is a
trend towards the utilization of minimalist footwear in netball
players as opposed to more conventional netball trainers. Sinclair
et al..
4 proposed that through appropriate footwear selection,
netballers may be able to mediate their susceptibility to
injury. To date only one study has contrasted the biomechanics
of minimalist and conventional netball footwear on impact
loading and the three-dimensional kinematics of the lower
extremities.4 Sinclair et al. showed that both vertical rate of
loading, and also peak ankle eversion, were significantly larger
when wearing minimalist footwear, which they concluded
would place netballers at increased risk from injury. However,
there has yet to be any published research examining the
influence of different footwear on the loads experienced by
specific musculoskeletal structures during netball specific
motions. Therefore, the aim of the current investigation was
to examine the influence of netball specific and minimalist
footwear on the loads experienced by the ankle and knee
joints during sport specific movements. A study of this nature
may provide new information to netballers regarding the selection
of appropriate footwear aimed at reducing the potential
for musculoskeletal injury.
Methods Fifteen female netballers performed both run and cut
movements when wearing conventional netball footwear and
also a minimalist trainer. Kinematics of the lower extremities
were quantified using a motion analysis system alongside
ground reaction force information which was obtained using a
force platform. To determine patellofemoral contact force
(PTP) and pressure (PP), a previously utilized model was
employed. Patellofemoral loads were examined between footwear
using repeated measures ANOVA. The footwear used
during this study consisted of a netball specific shoe (Asics
lady gel-Netburner professional 9) and minimal (Nike Free
run 5.0+) footwear, (shoe size 5–7 UK). Each participant performed
running and cutting movements in both footwear
conditions.
Results The results indicate that patellofemoral loads were significantly
larger in the conventional footwear compared to
minimalist in both movements.
Discussion The first key observation is that PTF and PP were
shown to be significantly greater in the conventional netball
footwear in comparison to the minimalist conditions, during
both the run and cutting movements. This corresponds with
the findings provided by Sinclair4 in which minimalist
footwear were also associated with significant reductions in
patellofemoral kinetics. This finding may be important with
regards to the aetiology of patellofemoral pain in netballers.
The initiation of patellofemoral pain is considered to be associated
with excessive patellofemoral loading during dynamic
tasks.6 Therefore, this study may provide information to
netballers regarding the most appropriate footwear for the
attenuation of patellofemoral symptoms. These observations
indicate that minimalist footwear may be advisable for netballers
who are susceptible to patellofemoral disorders. The findings
from this study indicate that minimalist footwear was
associated with significant reductions in patellofemoral kinetics
compared conventional netball footwear. Given the proposed
relationship between joint loading and patellofemoral degeneration,
the risk of the developing knee pathology may be attenuated
by wearing minimalist footwear.
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NewsBot · Feb 19, 2017

Netball-specific injury prevention programme launched

DaVinci · Feb 20, 2017

I have "heard" that when ASICS were developing their netburner shoe they tried to lower the drop down from the standard 10mm, but it was not liked by the players so they went back to 10. I have nothing confirming that this is true, but is apparently the story.

NewsBot · Oct 6, 2017

NewsBot · Jan 29, 2019

EFFECTS OF A BAREFOOT INTERVENTION PROGRAMME ON THE LANDING
KINETICS AND KINEMATICS OF NETBALL PLAYERS
Boluwaji Gbenga Jaiyesimi
PhD Thesis

Effective landings, as a component of movement tasks in many sports, have a significant role during
ground contact and subsequent kinetic chain intersegmental interactions. Landings are frequently
performed tasks in sports to manipulate skills, maximise mechanical functions of the body and to
possibly avoid injury. The rationale of biomechanical studies on landing in netball focuses on the
reduction of risk of lower extremity injuries and enhance performance. The trauma of injury to a
female athlete ranges from immobility, disengagement from the team to psychophysiological stress
and physical deterioration.
The primary aim of the study was to determine the acute differences in landing kinetics and
kinematics between barefoot and shod conditions in netball players. The secondary aim was to
determine effect of a six-week barefoot training intervention on landing biomechanics in netball
players. The experimental design adopted for the study was a pretest-posttest randomized groups
design. Thirty netball players were recruited for the study and randomly allocated into an
experimental (EXP) (n = 15) or a control group (CON) (n = 15). The players performed jumplanding tasks (single-leg drop landing right and left) (SLR and SLL), a drop vertical jump (DVJ)
and a stop-jump performance task (SJPT) in barefoot (BF), and shod (SH) conditions. The
intervention for the study spanned a 6-week period with 18 training sessions over this period.
Ground reaction forces, time to peak ground reaction forces and shock attenuation were considered
for kinetic variables while impact peak acceleration, initial contact angles, peak angles and range of
motion were considered for kinematic variables. A 3D force plate (sampled at 1000 Hz) was used
to capture force data while a wireless inertial motion capture system (sampled at 200 Hz, filtered
with Butterworth 60 Hz low-pass), was used to capture kinematic data. The Subjective evaluation
of the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS), Modified Lower Limb Comfort Index (mLLCI) and
barefoot activity experience was adopted for qualitative assessment of the study. Mean, standard
deviation, standard error of mean, and percentage differences were used in the descriptive analysis
while Chi-square, independent t-tests and a mixed model ANOVA were used in the inferential
analysis.
The results showed a non-significant reduction in peak resultant force and vertical ground reaction
forces for the jump-landing tasks in SH condition. The mediolateral ground reaction force was
significantly lower in BF condition for some of the jump-landing tasks (SLL p = 0.02; DVJ p =
0.03). It was further shown that sagittal plane kinematics increased at initial contact in BF condition
but decreased at peak angle. The frontal plane kinematics increased in BF more than SH conditions
at initial contact but decreased at peak angle. The EXP (p = 0.00) and CON groups (p = 0.00) had
significant changes in knee shock attenuation after the intervention. However, the CON group had
more shock attenuation at the knee and ankle during the jump-landing tasks. The feedback of
subjective experience of barefoot activities after the intervention showed that the negative
experience of injury risks and significant others did not outweigh the positive perception of
neuromuscular benefits and other related factors.
In conclusion, BF training could form part of training modalities implemented to enhance safe and
effective landings. Coaches need to be educated on the implementation of an injury prevention
programme, including emphasis on effective landings, to possibly reduce the incidence of lower
limb injuries in netball.
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NewsBot · Oct 6, 2019

Is there a link between common adult movement screening tests and ankle or foot injury in junior netballers?
J. Fuller et al
October 2019Volume 22, Supplement 2, Page S29

Introduction: Netball is popular amongst junior athletes but has a high incidence of ankle and foot injuries. Movement screening is common in team sports, but little is known about its relationship with junior netball injury risk. This pilot study investigated relationships between ankle and foot injuries and movement screening.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was undertaken in 78 female netballers aged 12–15 years. Players completed pre-season previous injury questionnaires and Y-balance, Crossley squat, and landing error scoring system (LESS) tests. Ankle and foot injuries were monitored throughout the subsequent season. Welch's t-tests and Chi-squared tests were used to compare screening results between players with and without previous ankle or foot injuries, and between players that did and did not sustain subsequent ankle or foot injuries. ROC analysis determined whether an optimal cut-off score existed for the LESS.

Results: Twenty-one players reported previous ankle or foot injuries and seven players sustained ankle or foot injuries in the subsequent season. Mean Y-balance scores normalised to leg length were 0.72 ± 0.05, 0.84 ± 0.06, and 0.79 ± 0.06 for anterior, posteromedial and posterolateral directions, respectively. Scores were unaffected by previous ankle or foot injury (mean difference (MD) ≤ 0.01; p >0.423) and not different for players that sustained subsequent ankle or foot injuries (MD ≤0.02; p >0.288). Y-balance asymmetry was also equivalent (MD ≤ 0.01; p >0.144). The proportion of ‘bad’ or ‘poor’ Crossley squats were similar for players with (52 %) and without (54 %) previous ankle or foot injuries (p = 1.000), and between players sustaining (43 %) and not sustaining (54 %) subsequent ankle or foot injuries (p = 0.857). Crossley squat asymmetry was similar between groups (43–52 %; p >0.623). Mean LESS score was 4 ± 1 and was unaffected by previous ankle or foot injury (MD < 1; p = 0.879) and not different for players that sustained subsequent ankle or foot injuries (MD = 1; p = 0.415). LESS test sensitivity (43 %) and specificity (78 %) were optimised with a >6 threshold (positive predictive value 17 %; negative predictive value (NPV) 93 %; relative risk 2.42; p = 0.217).

Discussion: Y-balance and Crossley squat results demonstrated minimal links with previous and subsequent ankle or foot injuries in junior netball. LESS scores ≤ 6 had high NPV which might help clinicians rule out high risk of ankle or foot injury (i.e. identify low risk players) but other methods are needed to identify the players at highest risk.
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NewsBot · Oct 6, 2019

Short-term effects of anti-pronation taping on foot mobility and pain in female netball athletes with medial tibial stress syndrome
M. Kirk et al
October 2019Volume 22, Supplement 2, Page S91

Background: Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is one of the most common sources of exercise-induced leg pain, particularly in athletes involved in high impact sports, such as netball. The high incidence and substantial recovery time highlight the need for evidence-based management strategies for MTSS. Although anti-pronation taping is used clinically to manage MTSS, by controlling navicular motion and pronation (risk factors for MTSS) no published research has systematically evaluated its efficacy in MTSS symptomatic athletes. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term effects of anti-pronation taping on foot mobility and pain in netball athletes with MTSS.

Methods: The foot mobility of 10 female netball athletes (age: 18.1 ± 3.6 years; height: 1.71 ± 0.06 m; mass: 66.8 ± 8.2 kg) diagnosed with MTSS was assessed during three randomly assigned tape conditions: (i) rigid anti-pronation, (ii) placebo and (iii) no-taping. Foot mobility was characterised by changes in static and dynamic navicular drop, assessed using 3D motion analysis, and peak plantar pressures generated during standing, walking and running with and without standardised footwear. Pain levels were assessed using a visual analogue scale. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA design was used to determine whether there was any significant main effect of taping condition on each dependent variable.

Results: When the data were grouped across all 10 participants, there were no significant main effects of taping on navicular drop (p = 0.45). Individual participant analysis, however, revealed these effects were dependent on static foot posture, i.e. participants with pronated feet displayed greater reductions in navicular drop, than those with a neutral foot posture. Applying anti-pronation tape significantly shifted the plantar pressure laterally and to the forefoot whilst decreasing rearfoot pressures, suggesting the rigid tape was effective in controlling foot mobility. There were no significant effects of taping on pain levels.

Discussion: Anti-pronation tape can significantly affect foot mobility by redistributing medial midfoot plantar pressures associated with pronation, and shifting them laterally and to the forefoot during standing and walking, although not running. Those participants with a pronated foot posture appeared to respond better to anti-pronation taping by displaying reductions in foot mobility. It was concluded that a subgroup of netball athletes with MTSS, those with pronated feet, might benefit from anti-pronation taping as a MTSS management strategy.
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NewsBot · Oct 31, 2019

Australian netball injuries in 2016: An overview of insurance data
Corey Joseph et al
ACSM

Objectives
The objective of this study is to profile the netball-specific sporting injuries from in a national community-level insurance claim database.

Design
An audit of insurance injury claims.

Methods
An electronic dataset containing successful injury insurance claim data from the 2016 netball season was retrospectively coded. Data were de-identified and coded to meet the Orchard Sports Injury Classification System. Descriptive data reported included age, injury date, activity type, anatomical injury location, nature of injury, weather conditions, indoor/outdoor surface, quarter injury occurred, and open text for injury description.

Results
The dataset contained 1239 claims that were approved for payment by the insurance company. The overall incidence rate was 2.936 successful injury claims per 1000 participants. The average age of players with claims was 34 years. The majority of successful claims came from players aged 22 to 29 years (n = 328; 27%) and 30–39 years (n = 279; 23%) age groups. Of the successful claims for injury, most occurred during matches (n = 1116; 92%), and were for injuries to the knee (n = 509; 42%) and ankle (n = 356; 29%) and for sprains/ligament damage (n = 687; 57%) or fractures (n = 182; 15%).

Conclusions
Netball injuries profiled by an injury insurance dataset of successful claims mostly occurred to the knee and ankle. Sprains and ligament damage were the most common type of injury. This study strengthens the evidence for national injury prevention policies and strategies. Findings from the current study could be used in future to expand into mechanisms of injury, and injury diagnoses.
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NewsBot · Apr 17, 2020

Injury surveillance of an Australian community netball club
MelindaSmith et al
Physical Therapy in Sport; 17 April 2020

Highlights
•Injury rates in community level netball in Australia remain high.
•Lower limb injuries are the most common, specifically at the ankle and knee.
•Age and previous history of injury were risk factors for lower limb injury.
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Objectives
To describe injuries associated with netball and risk factors for lower limb injuries.

Design
Prospective study. In the preseason, risk factors were investigated using self-report questionnaires and physical measurements. During the season, injuries were reported using a standardised report, verified by follow-up phone calls. Player training and game hours were recorded.

Setting
Australian community netball club.

Participants
269 players from 9 divisions, aged 7–42 years.

Main outcome measures
Injury incidence rates per 1000 exposure hours were calculated. The most common mechanism, nature and consequence of injury were determined from frequencies. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of lower limb injury and determine adjusted odds ratios for each risk factor.

Results
169 injuries occurred with a rate of 13.8/1000 exposure hours (95% CI 11.8–16.0), majority (60%) to the lower limb. The most frequent injury mechanisms were collisions (28%) and awkward landings (27%), nature was ‘Inflammation/swelling’ (32%) and consequence was ‘unable to continue playing/training’ (50%). Previous history of injury (OR 6.9, 95% CI 3.7–13.0) and age greater than 13.5 years (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.6–5.9) were significant risk factors for a season lower limb injury.

Conclusion
Injury rates in this community netball club were high. Results suggest that further research regarding the implementation and effectiveness of injury prevention programs for community netballers is required.
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NewsBot · Jul 11, 2020

The peak player load™ of state-level netball matches
ScottGraham et al
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport; Volume 23, Issue 2, February 2020, Pages 189-193

Objectives
To investigate the peak accelerometer-derived intensity of state-level netball matches and compare differences between positional groupings. Findings will provide guidance for sport science professionals on how to best replicate the most intense passages of play in training settings.

Design
Longitudinal (one season).

Method
Twenty-eight netball athletes across three teams from the same club wore an accelerometer (S5 Optimeye, Catapult sports) for all matches, in one season. Raw acceleration data were downloaded and converted into a vector magnitude (Player Load™) we then quantified the peak intensity over 30-s and one to ten-minute time periods. Positional groupings were created based on the number of thirds on a netball court that a particular position can enter, as this was deemed more appropriate for the current study than the traditional combinations based on tactical requirements. A linear mixed-model with fixed and random effects was utilised along with magnitude-based inferences to determine meaningful differences with 90 % confidence limits (CL).

Results
Across all time periods post 30-s, only one comparison was not meaningfully different i.e. three-thirds v two-thirds at the one-minute timepoint (effect size: 0.27, CL −0.05 to 0.60).

Conclusions
Findings justify that netball athletes, depending on positional group defined by this study, should train at different intensities dependent on a specified duration. Conditioning professionals and coaches should design training drills that best replicate the peak intensity of match play. This may improve an athlete’s physical performance capacity during highly exertive periods of competition, which regularly occur at critical moments in play.
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NewsBot · Oct 31, 2020

Impaired Recovery is Associated with Increased Injury and Illness: A Retrospective Study of 536 Female Netball Athletes
Barry G. Horgan Michael K. Drew Shona L. Halson Laura E. Piromalli Eric J. Drinkwater Dale W. Chapman G. Gregory Haff
30 October 2020

Sport science and medicine practitioners are interested in the relationships between training load, injury and illness. The extent to which training preparedness is associated with workload‐related injury and illness risk is debated. Therefore, this study applied multi‐level mixed effect logistic regression to investigate time‐dependent (±7‐ and ±28‐day) relationships between training preparedness (fatigue, mood, motivation, soreness, stress, sleep duration and quality), training load, injury, and illness in 536 elite and pre‐elite female netball athletes. Absolute risk (AR ± 95% CI) of sustaining an injury (0.98 ± 0.06%, n=1,122 injuries, N=254 athletes), or illness (1.09 ± 0.10%, n=2,881, N=432 athletes) was calculated. All training preparedness variables combined resulted in an absolute risk of 0.88‐5.88% and 0.87‐20% for injury, and illness respectively. Injury and illness had significant (p<0.05) bidirectional (i.e. both increased and decreased) associations with physical (soreness) and physiological (sleep duration and quality), while illness also had negative (mood, motivation) and positive (stress) associations with psychological training preparedness variables. Low sleep duration in the 48 h period prior was associated (p=0.005) with increased injury risk (OR=0.91±0.03; AR=4.00%), while ‘very poor’ sleep quality (OR=0.59±0.02; AR=7.83%) or extremes of too little (<5h, OR=1.01±0.03; AR=3.13‐14.29%) and too much (>10h, OR=1.01±0.03; AR=2.61‐10.98%) sleep had bidirectional associations (p<0.001) with an increased illness risk. Changes in training preparedness variables demonstrated bidirectional associations with injury, and illness. These outcomes suggest that sport science and medicine practitioners should monitor sleep, physical and psychological recovery status, to aid early detection and intervention regarding injury and illness symptomology.
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NewsBot · Dec 10, 2020

Situations and mechanisms of non-contact knee injury in adult netball: A systematic review
Elaine M.MullallyaAlexandra C.AtackaMarkGlaisteraNicholas C.Clarkb
Physical Therapy in Sport; 10 December 2020

Highlights
•Knee injuries accounted for 15.1% of all injuries in netball
•The most common situation of injury was landing occurring in 46.6% of knee injuries
•Most landings (53.9%) were single-leg landings
•Knee abduction (valgus) collapse was evident in 75% of knee injuries
•In 68.8% of knee injuries, trunk position was an important consideration
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Objectives
Noncontact knee injuries in netball are a concern due to a range of negative consequences. To reduce the number of injuries, identifying the situation and mechanism of injury is important. This systematic review examined the literature reporting the situation and mechanism of noncontact knee injury in netball.

Design
Systematic Review.

Methods
PRISMA guidelines were followed and specific key-term combinations used to search databases. Descriptive and analytic-observational studies reporting the situation or mechanism of noncontact knee injury in females playing netball were included (evaluated using frequency counts).

Results
Six articles were included (combined sample 11401). Players self-reported the situation of injury in five studies, only one study reported both the situation and mechanism of injury. Landing was the most reported situation of knee injury, representing 46.6% of all knee injuries whilst knee abduction (valgus) collapse was the most observed mechanism. Situation and mechanism of noncontact knee injury in netball were not adequately reported.

Conclusions
Despite the variations in reporting methods, landing is the most common situation of injury. As only one study reported mechanism of injury, it is difficult to draw conclusions but the mechanism of noncontact knee injury in netball appears similar to those identified in other female athletes.
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NewsBot · Jan 9, 2021

Injuries in Netball-A Systematic Review
Christopher Downs, Suzanne J. Snodgrass, Ishanka Weerasekara, Sarah R. Valkenborghs & Robin Callister
Sports Medicine - Open volume 7, Article number: 3 (2021)

Background
Netball is estimated to be played by more than 20 million people worldwide, but there is evidence of high injury incidence. A thorough understanding of the types and rates of netball injuries is essential for effective injury management and prevention strategies to be developed and implemented. This systematic review summarises the published findings with respect to injury types, participant characteristics and any identified risk factors for netball injuries.

Methods
A librarian-assisted computer search of seven scientific databases was conducted for studies reporting on netball injuries. Inclusion criteria were studies published in English, in peer-reviewed journals, which reported data on injuries and variables (e.g. age and competition level) that have been proposed as possibly associated with netball injury risk.

Results
Forty-six studies (43.5% prospective, 37% hospital/insurance records, 19.5% retrospective) from 45 articles were included after screening. The majority of studies (74%) were conducted in Australia or New Zealand. There was little consistency in the definition of ‘injury’. Elite or sub-elite level players were included in 69% of studies where the level of competition was reported. The duration of injury surveillance was generally related to the format of competition from which data were collected. Self-report questionnaires were used in 48% of studies and only 26% of studies used qualified health professionals to collect data courtside. Injuries to the ankle and knee were the most common (in 19 studies) although the incidence varied considerably across the studies (ankle 13–84% and knee 8–50% of injuries). Prevention of ankle and knee injuries should be a priority. Children sustained more upper limb injuries (e.g. fractures) compared with adults who sustained more lower limb injuries (e.g. ankle and knee sprains/strains). A large number of potential risk factors for injury in netball have been investigated in small numbers of studies. The main circumstances of injury are landings, collisions and falls.

Conclusion
Further studies should be directed towards recreational netball, reporting on injury incidence in players by age and utilising high-quality, standardised methods and criteria. Specific injury diagnosis and a better understanding of the circumstances and mechanisms of injury would provide more meaningful data for developing prevention strategies.
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NewsBot · Feb 2, 2021

SHORT AND LONG VERSIONS OF A 12-WEEK NETBALL SPECIFIC NEUROMUSCULAR WARM-UP IMPROVES LANDING TECHNIQUE IN YOUTH NETBALLERS
SuzanneBelcherabChrisWhatmanaMattBrughelliaRobertBorotkanicsa
Physical Therapy in Sport; 2 February 2021

Highlights
•The NetballSmart dynamic warm-up and NetballSmart Power warm-up both significantly improved landing technique over a 12-week training period in youth female netball players.
•The longer (NSDW) warm-up was not superior to the shorter (PWU) and we recommend that coaches should consider implementing either in their netball programmes, choice of which will likely be dependent on the environment.
•We recommend coaches have access to a teaching programme on how to use the warm-up programmes, safely and effectively. Teaching programmes for coaches should focus on analysing and correcting movement technique in the warm-up, whilst developing the ability to adapt the programme to improve motivation yet retain exercise effectiveness.
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Objective
To investigate the efficacy of two ‘NetballSmart’, netball specific warm-ups in improving landing technique measures in New Zealand secondary school netball players.

Design
Multi-site cluster experimental trial.

Participants
77 youth participants, mean ±SD age = 15.8 ± 0.9 were recruited from secondary school netball teams.

Setting
12 teams from 6 schools performed either the NetballSmart Dynamic Warm-up (NSDW) (n = 37); or Power warm-up (PWU) (n = 40), three times a week for 12 weeks. All players within a school (2 teams) were assigned the same warm-up, avoiding treatment contamination.

Main outcome measures
A series of unilateral and bilateral drop vertical jumps on to a portable force plate were completed by all participants. Measures included peak vertical ground reaction force (GRF) for single-leg and bilateral landings; frontal plane projection angle (FPPA) for right and left single-leg landings and Landing error scoring system (LESS) for bilateral landings. Paired t-tests were used to assess mean differences pre and post the warm-up. Generalised linear mixed effects models were developed to evaluate the effects between the NSDW and PWU groups.

Results
Significant improvements were found in all the landing technique outcome measures for both warm-up groups (ES Range- GRF = -0.6 to -1.1; FPPA =0.8 to 1.2; LESS = -1.6 to-3.2; p<0.05). Results of mixed effects models revealed that there was only a significantly greater improvement in LESS for the PWU group (ß = -0.30, p = 0.001).

Conclusion
Results show both warm-ups can improve landing technique measures in youth secondary school netball players. It is recommended that coaches should consider implementing one of the two warm-ups in their netball programmes. Their choice of warm-up will likely be dependent on their environment and time demands.
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NewsBot · May 21, 2021

Implementation of an injury prevention programme in community netball: An observational study
Tess Saad,Lauren Davies &Michelle Smith
Journal of Sports Sciences: 18 May 2021

The Netball KNEE programme is a freely available, netball-specific injury prevention programme promoted to netball coaches. However, little is known about its implementation. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the implementation of the Netball KNEE programme in community netball, and determine if implementation differed by player age. Four netball clubs participated. Training sessions (n = 67) were observed to determine if coaches used Netball KNEE programme activities as intended, modified or not at all during training, and whether feedback on technique was provided. No team performed the recommended number of activities without modification. On average, only 12%, 18% and 14% of the recommended number of activities were performed as intended in the 7–10, 11–13 and ≥14 years age groups, respectively. Warm-up/footwork activities (30%; 0–80%) were more frequently performed than strength (0%; 0–50%), balance/landing (0%; 0–50%), and agility (0%; 0–25%) activities (p < 0.001). Feedback was required in 65% of activities, but frequently not provided (56%). Netball KNEE programme implementation is low in community netball, particularly strength, balance/landing and agility activities. This finding, and lack of provision of feedback on technique, is concerning as improving movement patterns is a key aim of injury prevention programmes.
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NewsBot · Jun 9, 2021

The Applied Sports Science and Medicine of Netball: A Systematic Scoping Review
Sarah Whitehead, Jonathon Weakley, Stuart Cormack, Helen Alfano, Jim Kerss, Mitch Mooney & Ben Jones
Sports Medicine (2021)

Background
Netball is the one of the most popular women’s sports in the world. Since gaining professional status in 2008 there has been a rapid growth in research in the applied sports science and medicine of the sport. A scoping review of the area would provide practitioners and researchers with an overview of the current scientific literature to support on-court performance, player welfare and reduce injury.

Objective
The primary objective was to identify the current research on the applied sports science and medicine of netball. Additionally, the article provides a brief summary of the research in each topic of sports science and medicine in netball and identifies gaps in the current research.

Methods
Systematic searches of PubMed, SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE and CINAHL were undertaken from earliest record to Dec 2020 and reference lists were manually searched. The PRISMA-ScR protocol was followed. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they investigated netball as a sport or the applied sport science and medicine of netball athletes.

Results
962 studies were identified in the initial search, 150 of which met the inclusion criteria. Injury was the most highly investigated sport science and medicine topic (n = 45), followed by physical qualities (n = 37), match characteristics (n = 24), biomechanics (n = 15), psychology (n = 13), fatigue and recovery (n = 9), training load (n = 4) and nutrition (n = 3). A range of cohorts were used from school to elite and international standards. All cohorts were female netballers, except for one study. A rapid growth in studies over recent years was demonstrated with 65% of studies published in the last decade. There still remains gaps in the literature, with a low evidence base for nutrition, training load and fatigue and recovery.

Conclusion
This scoping review summarises the current evidence base and key findings that can be used in practice to enhance the applied sport science and medical support to netball athletes across a range of playing standards, and support the growth of the sport. It is evident that netball as a sport is still under-researched.
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NewsBot · Sep 26, 2021

Current ankle sprain prevention and management strategies of netball athletes: a scoping review of the literature and comparison with best-practice recommendations
Patrick L. Rowe, Adam L. Bryant & Kade L. Paterson
BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation volume 13, Article number: 113 (2021)

Background
Ankle sprains are the most commonly reported injury in netball. Approximately four in five netball athletes will sustain an ankle sprain, up to half will go on to sustain recurrent ankle sprains, and nine in ten report perceived ankle instability. Historically, prevention and management strategies of ankle sprains and injuries have been investigated for a variety of sports, however, no literature reviews have investigated these in netball athletes, or compared these with current best-practice within the literature. Therefore, this scoping review aims to understand how netball athletes currently prevent and manage ankle sprains and to compare these approaches with best-practice recommendations.

Methods
A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus databases using keywords to capture studies with data or information related to the prevention and management of ankle sprains and injuries in netball.

Results
The search strategy captured 982 studies across all databases, with 30 netball studies included in this scoping review. Studies suggest netball athletes are not commonly referred to health professionals, do not undertake adequate rehabilitation, and almost immediately return to court following an ankle sprain or injury. Current best-practices suggest injury prevention programs and external ankle support effectively reduce ankle sprains and injuries; however, poor compliance and implementation may be a significant barrier. Currently, there is a lack of evidence that netball-specific footwear reduces the risk of ankle sprains.

Conclusion
The findings suggest netball athletes do not implement current best-practice prevention and management strategies following an ankle sprain. This is despite evidence of the effectiveness of injury prevention programs, external ankle support, and adequate rehabilitation in reducing ankle sprain rates. Current-best practice prevention and management of ankle sprains should be considered by clinicians, coaches, and athletes to reduce the prevalence and chronicity of ankle sprains in netball.
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NewsBot · Nov 9, 2021

The prevalence of tendinopathy in a professional Australian netball team: a Pilot study
N. Axford et al
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2021.09.078

Background: Netball movement patterns place high energy-storage-and-release demands on lower limb tendons. Tendon and peri-tendon pathology is frequently reported in other court sports, e.g., basketball and volleyball, which have similar movement patterns. To date, few studies have focussed on identifying the prevalence of tendinopathy in professional netballers. The aim of this study is to identify the period prevalence of tendinopathy over two Australian Super Netball seasons. The second aim was to describe the context of the injury, pertaining to identifiable mechanisms and injury consequence relative to other injuries reported.
Methods: Fifteen professional netball players from a NSW-based team were included. Athlete Management System (AMS) data from the 2018 and 2019 seasons were extracted including: OSICS code, mechanism, body part and structure, injury type, and time in altered training. Injuries were only included if they were reported as a new diagnosis. Period prevalence was calculated the percentage of diagnosed tendon injuries relative to the total number of rostered players during each season. Tendon injuries as a proportion of total injuries was also reported. A single athlete was able to contribute multiple times to the numerator, provided the tendon diagnoses were for different tendons. Injury site, days in recovery and altered training were reported as percentage of total tendon prevalence and mean ± standard deviation.
Results: The period prevalence for tendon injuries throughout the study period was 53.3%. Tendon injuries accounted for 11.7% (n=15) of all injuries reported. Eight athletes experienced tendon injuries: two athletes experienced two tendinopathies and two athletes experienced three. Achilles tendinopathy was the second most common injury reported overall, accounting for 50% of all tendinopathies. Days spent recovering from tendinopathy were 92.2 ± 115.0 days. Tendinopathies were the second most costly injury with respect to days spent recovering (sprains/strains 107.8 ± 126.6 days). All reported tendinopathies had no clear injury mechanism identified and occurred during both training and competition.
Discussion: Tendinopathy is a prevalent and time-costly injury in a professional netball team. Several athletes within the team reported multiple tendon injuries. This suggests there may be a systematic biomechanical issue in some athletes, or some playing positions may be more at risk than others. The lack of clear mechanism indicates closer monitoring may be required to fully determine netball-specific related risk factors. Further research will be greatly beneficial in identifying potential risk factors and optimising injury management in professional female sport.
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NewsBot · Jan 16, 2022

Epidemiology of injuries sustained in professional Australian netball: A three season cohort study
Liam A Toohey et al
J Sci Med Sport. 2021 Dec 17;S1440-2440(21)00540-5

Objectives: To report the medical attention and time-loss injury epidemiology of Australia's premier netball competition.

Design: Descriptive epidemiological study.

Methods: One-hundred and nineteen players in the Suncorp Super Netball league were under surveillance during three consecutive seasons (2017-2019), inclusive of pre-, in-, and post- season phases. Medical attention injuries were recorded by medical personnel, and additionally sub-categorised according to time loss. Injury incidence rates (IIR) and injury burden were calculated per 365 player contract days, with differences between season and season phase IIRs compared using negative binomial generated incidence rate ratios (IRR).

Results: Eight hundred and sixty-six medical attention injuries and 393 time-loss injuries were recorded. The majority of the players had multiple (≥2) medical attention (n = 92; 77.3%) and time-loss (n = 75, 63.0%) injuries reported. The ankle (n = 181; 20.9%), knee (n = 136; 15.7%) and foot (n = 98; 11.3%) were the body sites with the most frequently reported medical attention injuries. Overall, there was a comparable injury incidence rate between the pre-season and in-season periods (IRR = 1.13, 95%CI = 0.98-1.30, p = 0.0842), although variation in the injury burden was identified. Ankle tendon injuries (23.5 days absence) and knee joint injuries (44.9 days absence) the most burdensome injuries in the pre-season and in-season periods respectively.

Conclusions: Lower limb injuries are the most frequent in professional level netball. Knee and ankle injuries are the most burdensome overall, however the type of injuries with a high burden vary between pre- and in-season periods. Time-loss, non-time loss and subsequent injuries are prominent in professional level netball.
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NewsBot · Feb 8, 2022

A systematic video analysis of 21 anterior cruciate ligament injuries in elite netball players during games
Suzanne Belcher, Chris Whatman &Matt Brughelli
Sports Biomechanics: 07 Feb 2022

This systematic video analysis of 21 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries sustained by elite-level netball players during televised games, describes the situation, movement pattern and player behaviour, providing insight regarding the injury mechanism. Seventeen of the ACL injuries occurred from jump-landing actions and only two from cutting manoeuvres. A common scenario was identified for 11 players. In this scenario, players were decelerating rapidly after jumping to receive a high pass, utilising a double-footed landing with a wide base of support (WBOS). Deceleration appeared to be applied predominantly via the injured leg with the knee extended and foot planted. Often the players appeared unbalanced on landing leaning too far back. ACL injury risk was possibly exacerbated by the players head turning away from the injured side. A further compressive knee moment may have been placed on the lateral aspect of the knee by bringing the ball from a high position to a low position at the estimated time of injury. Players may benefit from landing technique training programmes that encourage shoulder-width foot landings, with ≥30° knee flexion, a small amount of plantar-flexion and good balance. Incorporating challenges to players balance and ability to cope with perturbations may also be beneficial. Training programmes should include instruction on securing the ball in a stable above pelvis-level position after receiving a pass and bringing their whole body around during landing into the direction of their next pass, rather than simply turning their head to look.
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NewsBot · Aug 7, 2022

Do the Footwear Profiles and Foot-Related Problems Reported by Netball Players Differ Between Males and Females?
Maddison M. Kirk, Joshua P. M. Mattock, Celeste E. Coltman & Julie R. Steele
Sports Medicine - Open volume 8, Article number: 103 (2022)

Introduction
We explored the footwear profiles and foot-related problems reported by netball players and whether these differed between males and females.

Methods
Two thousand nine hundred and twenty-five amateur, sub-elite and elite netball players (men n = 279; women n = 2646; age 26.4 ± 10.0 years) completed a custom-designed online survey with questions related to netball experience, current netball footwear habits and history of foot-related problems. Footwear profiles and foot-related problems were considered in logistic regressions against sex and competition level to ascertain significant relationships (p < 0.05) and predictive values (odds ratio).

Results
Although 80.4% of respondents reported wearing netball-specific shoes, females were 13.2 times more likely to wear netball-specific shoes than males. Foot-related problems and foot pain were reported by 84.3% and 56.8% of netball players, respectively; with blisters, ankle sprain/strains and calluses being most common. Although women were significantly more likely to suffer from foot-related problems than men, males were significantly more likely to believe their foot pain was caused by the footwear they wore for netball.

Conclusion
The high prevalence of foot-related problems and pain reported by all netball players suggests that the shoes players are currently wearing for netball are not meeting the requirements of players, particularly regarding fit, comfort and functionality. As male netball players have significantly different footwear profiles to female players, men are likely to require netball-specific footwear that differs to the netball-specific shoes designed for female players.
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Key Points
A high prevalence of foot-related problems and pain reported by all netball players suggests that the shoes players are currently wearing for netball are not meeting the requirements of players, particularly regarding fit, comfort and functionality.

Footwear profiles and foot-related problems differ significantly between male and female netball players.

Men are likely to require netball-specific footwear that differs to the netball-specific shoes designed for female netball players.
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NewsBot · Jan 24, 2023

A cross-sectional retrospective survey of injury situation and prevalence in female recreational netball players with a focus on knee injuries
Elaine M.Mullally et al
Physical Therapy in Sport; 20 January 2023

Highlights
•Lower limb injuries remain a concern in female adult recreational netball players.
•The most common situation of injury is landing.
•Landing technique must be considered by netball coaches.
•Current training and injury prevention practices need to be understood.
•Appropriate IPPs need to be designed and implemented.
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Objectives
To examine situations of injury and injury prevalence in female adult recreational netball players with a focus on knee injuries.

Design
Cross sectional retrospective online survey.

Participants
193 female adult recreational netball players.

Main outcome measures
Any injury sustained in the previous 12 months, situation of injury, any knee injuries sustained in the previous five years, the length of time unable to play netball, and knee injury management.

Results
In the previous 12 months, 61% of respondents sustained injury to the lower limb, and 27% to the upper limb. Lower limb injury situations were mostly landings (46%). Upper limb injury situations were mostly collisions with an opponent (27%). 46% reported sustaining a knee injury in the previous five years. Following knee injury, players were unable to play netball for 6.8 ± 7.0 months (training); and 8.2 ± 7.4 months (matches) respectively.

Conclusions
Lower limb injury is more common than upper limb injury in recreational adult female adult netball players. Landing was the most common situation of injury for the lower limb including knee injuries. In the previous five years, nearly half of the players had sustained a knee injury resulting in more than six months out of the game.
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NewsBot · Apr 4, 2023

Consensus on a netball video analysis framework of descriptors and definitions by the netball video analysis consensus group
Lois Mackay et al
Source

Using an expert consensus-based approach, a netball video analysis consensus (NVAC) group of researchers and practitioners was formed to develop a video analysis framework of descriptors and definitions of physical, technical and contextual aspects for netball research. The framework aims to improve the consistency of language used within netball investigations. It also aims to guide injury mechanism reporting and identification of injury risk factors. The development of the framework involved a systematic review of the literature and a Delphi process. In conjunction with commercially used descriptors and definitions, 19 studies were used to create the initial framework of key descriptors and definitions in netball. In a two round Delphi method consensus, each expert rated their level of agreement with each of the descriptors and associated definition on a 5-point Likert scale (1—strongly disagree; 2—somewhat disagree; 3—neither agree nor disagree; 4—somewhat agree; 5—strongly agree). The median (IQR) rating of agreement was 5.0 (0.0), 5.0 (0.0) and 5.0 (0.0) for physical, technical and contextual aspects, respectively. The NVAC group recommends usage of the framework when conducting video analysis research in netball. The use of descriptors and definitions will be determined by the nature of the work and can be combined to incorporate further movements and actions used in netball. The framework can be linked with additional data, such as injury surveillance and microtechnology data.
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NewsBot · Jan 13, 2024

Internal and external workload in national and international netball competition
S. Eijwoudt, et al
Published online: 11 Dec 2023

Differences in workload exist between netball playing positions and competition levels, but no research has compared workloads experienced by the same elite players during national and international competitions. This study collected internal (heart rate) and external (PlayerLoad·min−1) workload data per match quarter from 44 players during a national competition and 12 players during an international competition. Nine players played in both competitions. Linear mixed models compared percentage of match quarter in each heart rate zone and PlayerLoad·min−1 between competitions for each playing position. Workloads against low- and high-ranked international opponents were also compared. Internal workloads were greater in national compared to international competition for GD and WD positions. PlayerLoad·min−1 was significantly higher by 8–13% in the national competition for positions WD and C, and by 5–8% in the international competition for GD and GA. Positional differences may indicate a role of the team’s tactical style of play. Workloads were generally greater against higher- rather than lower-ranked international opponents. These results indicate that tactical factors in combination with playing position and opposition characteristics should be considered when preparing physically for matches.
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NewsBot · Apr 11, 2024

Do the feet of male and female netball players differ in shape? Implications for shoe design
Maddison M Kirk et al
J Sports Sci. 2024 Apr 9:1-7

A large proportion of netball players suffer foot-related problems and pain and are dissatisfied with current netball-specific footwear. To improve the fit and functionality of netball-specific shoes, we must understand the shape of these players' feet and determine whether any sex differences exist. Five hundred and two representative-level netball players (n = 251 male; n = 251 female) had their feet three-dimensionally scanned. We then used a validated MATLAB code to automatically extract 10 measurements to characterise each participant's foot shape. Differences between men and women for the absolute values and those normalised to foot length and stature were identified using independent samples t-tests with a Bonferroni adjusted alpha level. The size and shape of male netball players' feet differed significantly from their female counterparts. Males had significantly larger absolute and normalised foot measurements than females, notably at the ball of the foot, heel and instep (p < 0.001). Netball shoe manufacturers should develop unique lasts for each sex and foot size and should offer a more extensive range of shoe lengths and widths to netball players. Such considerations will help optimise shoe fit and comfort and, in turn, reduce foot-related problems and pain associated with ill-fitting footwear.
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NewsBot · Apr 19, 2024

Do foot type classifications differ between male and female netball players? A cluster analysis
Maddison M Kirk et al
Ergonomics. 2024 Apr 13:1-10

We must better understand the foot type classifications of netball players to develop sex and size-specific shoe lasts. Five hundred and two representative-level netball players (n = 251 male; n = 251 female) had their feet three-dimensionally scanned. A validated MATLAB code was used to extract six different foot measurements from these scans automatically. We then used a two-step cluster analysis and chi-squared tests to classify foot types and determine the effect of sex on each cluster, respectively. Five foot types were identified (Extra long-and-wide, Long-and-wide, Flat, Tapered and Short-and-narrow), with sex significantly affecting foot type classification. The feet of players wearing smaller shoe sizes were often Short-and-narrow and Tapered, whereas the feet of players wearing larger sizes tended to be more Extra long-and-wide and Long-and-wide. These results highlight that netball players have a wide variety of foot types; manufacturers should use these data to develop future grading systems to improve the fit and functionality of netball-specific footwear.
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