OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN APPLIED RESEARCH BY A RESEARCH TEAM
GOLD
Youthsafe and Basketball NSW
Review of injury records and reporting
This work involved reviewing the injury records and injury recording processes for Basketball NSW to identify common injuries in the sport, and, to provide a focus for the development of evidence-based injury prevention and risk management strategies. The project focused on existing injury data as well as current data recording systems to identify priority areas for injury prevention activities across Basketball NSW.
Data was analysed in five key areas including gender, nature, cause and severity of injury and type of treatment. In addition to the data-analysis, Youthsafe undertook a review of literature and resources used by Basketball NSW to further identify focus areas that would help reduce the incidence and severity of injuries. The research highlighted that 71 per cent of injuries recorded were soft tissue injuries that involved, bruising, inflammation, strains and sprains.
The data also indicated four per cent of injuries were concussion or head injuries. Although this figure is low it showed a need to develop strategies around a safe return to play after a head injury has occurred. 39 per cent of injuries recorded were categorised as 'severe', while injury treatment was poorly recorded. As well, inconsistencies were identified in injury recording systems.
The project resulted in a series of recommendations by Youthsafe that included the development of a single consistent injury recording form to be used across all clubs and the creation of targeted resources and guidance material on injury risks and injury management such as greater promotion of the RICER method to help prevent soft tissue injuries as well as the development of policy around head injuries.
As a result, Basketball NSW rolled-out a comprehensive safety awareness campaign and work to encourage increased ownership from associations and clubs in how they record injuries. This project impacted more than 100 basketball associations and future injury data will now be reviewed annually to allow for the development of more effective risk management strategies.
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