Injuries In Indian Squash Players: A Retrospective Epidemiological Survey Among Club-Level Players

Abstract

Background: Squash is a fast paced, all weather, racquet sport gaining rapid popularity in India. The nature of squash lends itself to
contact and non-contact musculoskeletal injuries. There is no data on squash injuries amongst Indian players.
Objectives: To examine the demographics, distribution and recovery times of various injuries sustained by squash players in India.
Study Design Descriptive epidemiology study
Materials and Methods: A survey was conducted to collect information regarding demographics, distribution and types of injuries and
recovery times.
Results: A total of 120 valid responses were received and analysed. 86% of the respondents had an injury requiring more than 2 weeks
for recovery. The average age of respondents was 41 yrs. There was preponderance of lower limb injuries with the knee being affected
the most. The mean age at time of sustaining injury was 34 yrs. The knee injuries took longest to recover and muscle strains the
shortest. The average time to recover was 5.8 months.
Discussion: This is the first study to investigate injuries in Indian squash players. It has revealed that lower limb injures are far more
common in Indian players as compared to studies from other nations. The knee injuries form the bulk of injuries and take the longest
time to recover. The contact injuries are very few.
Conclusion: Squash players from Indian clubs have a suffered knee injury more than any other injury. Further studies are required for
understanding injury mechanisms and formulating injury prevention protocols.
What is known about the subject?
Similar descriptive epidemiologic studies have been conducted on squash players from North America, UK, South Africa, Iran, and
Malaysia. The literature is relatively sparse given the growing nature of this sport.
What this study adds to existing knowledge:
This is the first of its kind that we are aware of that examines squash players from India. This study provides an insight into injuries
suffered by Indian club level squash players. This study contrasts the difference in types of injuries sustained by Indian squash players.