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

Background 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. Methods 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. Results 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%). Conclusion 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 of evidence Level III (retrospective comparative study).