A comparison of men's and women's professional basketball injuries

Abstract

Injuries sustained by male and female professional basketball teams were compared. Injuries from two consecutive seasons were coded, and computer-based cross-tabulations comparing sex, body part, and type of injury were performed. The women's injury frequency was 1.6 times that of men. The body part most frequently injured on both teams was the ankle. Women sustained significantly more knee and thigh injuries as well as sprains, strains, and contusions. Men had significantly more muscle spasms. Other injuries occurred in similar patterns in both sexes. Alterations in training programs are suggested with emphasis on women's strengthening and men's flexibility.