Characteristics of injuries and overloads in the forearm and wrist in handball players

Background
Handball is a highly popular sport in Europe. The specific characteristics of the game significantly contribute to the incidence of injuries reported by players. Frequent physical contact with opponents, jumping and landing, the high pace of play, and rapid changes of direction are just some of the factors that predispose players to injuries during training and matches. While knee, shoulder, and ankle injuries are considered the most common, the wrist and forearm should not be overlooked, as they form an essential component of the throwing apparatus

Aims
The aim of the study was to characterize wrist and forearm injuries in handball players and to identify potential factors influencing the occurrence of injuries in this region.

Materials and Methods
The study included 109 participants with a mean age of 22 ± 5.2 years. They were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire consisting of 46 questions divided into seven sections. The questions addressed, among others, wrist and forearm injuries, complaints in this region, playing experience, and preventive strategies.

Results
The study did not demonstrate a correlation between the players’ physical activity and the incidence of wrist and forearm injuries. No significant associations were found between warmup routines, number of training days, or recovery methods used and the occurrence of complaints or injuries involving the wrist and forearm.

Conclusions
Wrist and forearm injuries and pain represent a significant problem among handball players, affecting approximately one in three athletes. Field players are more susceptible to wrist and forearm injuries than goalkeepers. Among preventive strategies, the most commonly reported method was forearm-strengthening exercises.