A randomized controlled trial of injury prevention in adolescent elite handball players

Title

The Karolinska Handball Study part II – A randomized controlled trial of injury prevention in adolescent elite handball players
A randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effect of two training programs on shoulder and knee injuries.

Background

The incidence and prevalence of knee and shoulder injuries in adolescent handball is high, but very few studies have evaluated the effect of preventative measures for these injuries in this population. This trial builds on the results and knowledge gained from the Karolinska Handball Study (KHAST) part I and is an important next step in the work for reducing shoulder and knee injuries in adolescent handball.

Aim

The overall aim with this RCT is to evaluate the effect of two training programs, ”Axelkontroll” and ”Knäkontroll” in adolescent elite handball players.

Methods

In total 709 female and male handball players, aged 15–19, were included in this study. At baseline they answered a comprehensive questionnaire and were thereafter randomized to one of three groups. Group 1 was instructed to perform the shoulder training program “Axelkontroll” with focus on shoulder strength and coordination, including an off-season throwing program. Group 2 was instructed to perform the knee training program with focus on strength and coordination of the lower limb. Group 3, the control group, was instructed to carry on as usual. The payers were then monitored by weekly reports for one year (May 2018 to May 2019) regarding match- and training amount, workload and injuries. The primary outcome is shoulder and knee injuries. At study start throwing velocity, shoulder strength, knee control and jumping/landing control was assessed in a subgroup of approximately 160 players. These measurements were repeated after five-six months and after one year to also evaluate the effect on performance.

Significance

Shoulder and knee injuries are common in adolescent handball and evaluating injury prevention measures is an important step to reduce these injuries.

Research principle

Karolinska Institutet

Funding

Swedish Research Council for Sport Science, Scandinavian College of Naprapathic Manual Medicine, Swedish Naprapath Association.

Contact

Professor Eva Skillgate – Primary Investigator, Research group leader for Musculoskeletal & Sports Injury Epidemiology Center, eva.skillgate@shh.se
PhD Martin Asker – Head of Handball Research Group martin.asker@shh.se