073 The effectiveness of neuromuscular training warm-up programme to reduce knee and ankle injuries in youth basketball: a historical cohort study

• Published in: British journal of sports medicine Vol. 54; no. Suppl 1; p. A32
• Main Authors: Owoeye, Oluwatoyosi, Pasanen, Kati, Befus, Kimberley, Stilling, Carlyn, Ghali, Brianna, Tait, Tyler J, HubkaRao, Tate, Palacios-Derflingher, Luz, Warriyar, Vineetha, Emery, Carolyn
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.03.2020
• ISSN: 0306-3674; 1473-0480
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2020-IOCAbstracts.73

BackgroundStudies evaluating the effectiveness of neuromuscular training (NMT) warm-up programmes in reducing knee and ankle injuries in youth basketball are sparse and specifically, the effect of NMT warm-up programmes on patellar and Achilles tendinopathy is unknown.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of NMT warm-up programme in reducing the risk of knee and ankle injuries, including patellar and Achilles tendinopathy in youth basketball.DesignA two-season historical cohort comparison of players exposed (season 2) and unexposed (season 1) to an NMT intervention.SettingYouth basketball teams (Alberta, Canada).ParticipantsNinety-four teams, comprising 825 male and female players (age range: 11–18 years; season 1, n=518; season 2, n=307).InterventionsA coach-delivered 10-minute SHRed Basketball Injuries NMT warm-up programme, administered in season 2, comprised 13 exercises including aerobic, agility, strength and balance components. The control teams used their standard of practice warm-up in season 1.Main outcome measurementsAll-complaint knee and ankle injuries, including patellar and Achilles tendinopathy were recorded weekly throughout two basketball seasons using validated injury surveillance methods. Poisson regression (with offset using exposure hours and adjusted for team cluster, sex, two-season participation) was used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs; 98.8%CIs Bonferroni) for all-complaint injuries between seasons. Logistic regression (adjusted for team cluster, sex, exposure hours, two-season participation), was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs; 98.8%CIs) for players reporting at least one tendinopathy.ResultsThe NMT warm-up programme was protective for knee [IRR=0.51 (98.8%CI: 0.35–0.75)] and ankle injuries [IRR=0.68 (98.8%CI: 0.52–0.91)] but not for patellar [OR=0.88 (98.8%CI: 0.44–1.73)] and Achilles tendinopathy [OR=0.63 (98.8%CI: 0.18–2.18)] specifically.ConclusionsThe SHRed Basketball Injuries NMT warm-up programme is effective in reducing all-complaint knee and ankle injury rates but ineffective for mitigating patellar and Achilles tendinopathy risk in youth basketball players. Further research evaluating load modification may be a target for prevention of tendinopathies.