Current Implementation of Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Volleyball Injury Prevention Exercises among Male Professional Volleyball Players in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Background. Volleyball is a popular non-contact sport around the globe. Unfortunately, volleyball players often suffer from an ankle sprain and knee and shoulder injuries. Proper techniques, education, and preventive exercises such as adequate warm-ups can reduce the risk of injury. Objectives. This study aimed to investigate and compare the implementation of the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center (OSTRC) volleyball injury prevention program’s exercises among professional volleyball players in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Methods. A web-based survey was conducted from October 2019 to October 2020 to acquire information regarding implementing the OSTRC volleyball injury prevention program’s exercises distributed to 377 professional volleyball players in six GCC countries. Chi-square statistics were used to examine differences among the countries and age groups. Results. Three hundred forty-one male volleyball players participated (response rate of 90.5%), mostly 20-29 years old. About half of the volleyball players (range 46.9% to 56.9%) in the GCC countries performed the OSTRC volleyball injury prevention program’s exercises in their current practice. Exercise implementation rates varied among age groups and countries with no statistical difference (p = .973 and p = .913, respectively). Conclusion. This study found that about 50% of volleyball players applied the 18 recommended OSTRC injury prevention exercises in the GCC countries. Awareness campaigns and training improvements need to be introduced to increase the implementation rates.