Low injury incidence and excellent return to sport after injuries in beach handball—a cross-sectional survey of 651 athletes

TL;DR

Beach handball has a low injury rate, with most injuries affecting the lower body and a high return to sport rate.

Contribution

This study provides the first comprehensive injury incidence and risk factor analysis in beach handball athletes.

Findings

Injury incidence was 53.5 per 1,000 athletes per year, with 75% reporting no injuries.

Lower extremity injuries were most common, and older age increased injury risk.

Most athletes returned to full play within two months, with only 8% needing surgery.

Abstract

To quantify the five-year injury incidence and to identify risk factors and common injury patterns in beach handball athletes. It was hypothesized that there would be a low incidence of injuries with identifiable risk and preventative factors.

An online survey was conducted among active beach handball athletes from 08–09/2022. Demographics, activity level and data on acute and overuse injuries over the past five years were collected. Risk factor analyses were performed for acute and overuse injuries.

A total of 651 athletes (54% male) were included. No injury was reported by 489 (75%) athletes and 162 (25%) athletes reported at least one injury with a total of 174 injuries (102 acute, 72 overuse). The injury incidence was 53.5 injuries per 1,000 athletes per year. The lower extremity was most commonly affected. Older age, the number of tournaments per year and the number of months playing beach handball per year were risk factors for injury. Playing as shooting specialist reduced the risk. Of the injuries, 14 (8%) were treated surgically. Most athletes returned to full beach handball within two months (acute: 70%; overuse: 80%).

Injury incidence was low among beach handball athletes. Injuries most commonly affected the lower extremity. Older age, number of months playing beach handball and number of tournaments were risk factors for injury. Only 8% of the injuries required surgery. Return to sport outcomes was favorable. This implies a potential for targeted injury prevention strategies and the reassurance of low injury burden in beach handball.

Level III (retrospective comparative study).

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13102-025-01252-w.