THE IMPACT OF SHOULDER INJURIES ON BADMINTON PLAYER AVAILABILITY AND PERFORMANCE

Abstract

This study investigated the affects of shoulder injuries on participation and performance amongst competitive badminton players. Questionnaires were used to accumulate quantitative data from a sample of 37 participants, both male (26) and female (11) from various badminton clubs in South Wales. Thirty percent of participants reported a shoulder problem during the 2010-2012 seasons, and most injuries were either chronic on-going problems or a singular acute incident. It was discovered that the affects of injury had a negative impact on performance, with pain, anxiety and a lack of range of motion being key issues (mostly in overhead shots). It was also found that the majority of players continued despite injury (78%) and adapted stroke play and playing habits to compensate for this (91%). Furthermore participation was negatively affected with most players missing a number of training sessions and matches because of their injury. Of those injured 73% were male, and the average age was significantly higher than those not injured, suggesting these factors may be an antagonist of shoulder injury. Overall risk assessments in badminton need to be addressed more thoroughly to reduce injury incidence, moreover the consultation and management of shoulder injuries needs to improve to increase performance and participation. Further research should look to incorporate diagnostic measures to highlight the types of shoulder injury in badminton and develop prehabilitative strategies to reduce the risk of injury, thus improving participation and performance in badminton players.