Background Basketball is associated with a high rate of musculoskeletal injuries, particularly among youth and elite athletes. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, lateral ankle sprains, and overuse syndromes such as patellar tendinopathy and lumbar stress injuries contribute substantially to time loss and long-term dysfunction. Purpose To critically synthesize recent (2020–2025) evidence on the epidemiology and prevention of common basketball-related injuries, with emphasis on actionable, evidence-based strategies for real-world implementation. Study design Narrative review with structured search methodology. Methods A structured literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between January 2020 and March 2025. Eligible studies examined injury epidemiology, risk factors, or prevention strategies in basketball athletes. Evidence was synthesized narratively and grouped by injury type and intervention modality. No meta-analysis or formal risk-of-bias scoring was performed, consistent with the narrative review design. Results Multicomponent neuromuscular training (NMT) programs consistently demonstrated 50–67% reductions in ACL injury risk, particularly in adolescent female athletes. Ankle sprain recurrence was reduced by up to 70% through combined proprioceptive training and external support, while overuse injuries were most effectively mitigated through individualized load management using session-RPE, wellness monitoring, and, when available, wearable technology. Multimodal programs integrating these strategies consistently produced the greatest overall injury reductions (51–70%) while maintaining higher adherence rates. Conclusion Contemporary evidence supports the integration of multimodal, sport-specific injury prevention strategies into routine basketball practice. Programs that combine neuromuscular training, ankle stabilization, and load monitoring when delivered through practical formats such as warm-up routines offer substantial reductions in injury burden without compromising performance. Clinical relevance This review provides clinicians, coaches, and performance professionals with evidence-based principles for reducing injury risk and improving athlete longevity in basketball.

Epidemiology and prevention of common injuries in basketball: a review of current strategies

期刊论文
发表日期：

2026年3月2日

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Sivasanthosh Sivamani,
Anbalagan Pandian

摘要

Background

Basketball is associated with a high rate of musculoskeletal injuries, particularly among youth and elite athletes. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, lateral ankle sprains, and overuse syndromes such as patellar tendinopathy and lumbar stress injuries contribute substantially to time loss and long-term dysfunction.

Purpose

To critically synthesize recent (2020–2025) evidence on the epidemiology and prevention of common basketball-related injuries, with emphasis on actionable, evidence-based strategies for real-world implementation.

Study design

Narrative review with structured search methodology.

Methods

A structured literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between January 2020 and March 2025. Eligible studies examined injury epidemiology, risk factors, or prevention strategies in basketball athletes. Evidence was synthesized narratively and grouped by injury type and intervention modality. No meta-analysis or formal risk-of-bias scoring was performed, consistent with the narrative review design.

Results

Multicomponent neuromuscular training (NMT) programs consistently demonstrated 50–67% reductions in ACL injury risk, particularly in adolescent female athletes. Ankle sprain recurrence was reduced by up to 70% through combined proprioceptive training and external support, while overuse injuries were most effectively mitigated through individualized load management using session-RPE, wellness monitoring, and, when available, wearable technology. Multimodal programs integrating these strategies consistently produced the greatest overall injury reductions (51–70%) while maintaining higher adherence rates.

Conclusion

Contemporary evidence supports the integration of multimodal, sport-specific injury prevention strategies into routine basketball practice. Programs that combine neuromuscular training, ankle stabilization, and load monitoring when delivered through practical formats such as warm-up routines offer substantial reductions in injury burden without compromising performance.

Clinical relevance

This review provides clinicians, coaches, and performance professionals with evidence-based principles for reducing injury risk and improving athlete longevity in basketball.