Injuries in Professional Roundnet (Spikeball) Athletes

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate training workload and injury history in specifically professional roundnet athletes. An anonymous survey regarding players’ injuries specific to roundnet was created with input from two premier roundnet athletes and two orthopedic surgeons. The 56 Spikeball Tour Series professional roundnet athletes from the 2023 season were contacted after the 2023 season to complete an anonymous injury history survey. Overall, 49 (88%) of the 56 professional roundnet athletes from the 2023 season were included in the study. Professional roundnet athletes had been competing in roundnet for a mean of 4 years and train 9.5 months per year. Players reported 82 roundnet injuries comprised of 43 (52%) upper extremity injuries, 24 (29%) lower extremity injuries, and 15 (18%) axial injuries. No reported injuries required surgical treatment. Upper extremity, lower extremity, and axial injuries had an average time to return to sport (RTS) of 1.8 months, 2.8 months, and 2.2 months missed, respectively. In conclusion, the upper extremity is the most commonly injured region in professional roundnet athletes, accounting for about half of roundnet injuries. Professional roundnet athletes most frequently experience significant acute injuries of the elbow and ankle, and significant chronic injuries of the shoulder and lower back.