STUDY OF AEROBALL INJURIES

Objective-To present the risks of aeroball, a new sport played by eith er two or four players on a trampoline court surrounded by specially c onstructed fabric walls, and to propose ways to increase awareness and reduce the incidence of injury, in particular, ankle injury. Method-A study was carried out to document the nature of aeroball related inci dents, between 1991 and 1995, at Lancaster University Sports Centre. L ace-up ankle supports mere introduced in April 1992, and their effect on the incidence of ankle injury was recorded. Results-The lower limb received most injuries (90%), followed by the upper limb (6%), then th e face (3%) and cervical spine (1%). The most common category of injur ies was sprains (83%), followed by fractures (8%), contusions (5%), an d dislocations (4%). The most common site of injury was the ankle (73% ). It is during doubles play that injury is most likely to occur. Sinc e the introduction of ankle supports, there has been a gradual decline in the incidence of ankle injury 31 in 1991 to nine in 1995. Conclusi on-Aeroball has become a popular sport, but it is not without risks. L eaflets have been produced to promote the objectives, rules, and safet y of the game. Trained full-time staff should be present to explain th e nature of the game. The use of prophylactic ankle stabilisers in aer oball is strongly recommended.