A LONGITUDINAL STUDY: FIVE YEARS OF RESEARCH ON SPORT INJURIES APPEARED IN MATCHES IN TURKISH FIRST WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE.

Sport injuries frequently happened in power-based sports like the volleyball. In order to prevent injuries before they appeared, it should be known reasons and risk factors. Therefore, the aim of this research was to investigate sports injuries happened in match. In this study 200 matches were analyzed from First Women's Volleyball League during the 2011-2016 period. "Match Observation Form" developed by researcher was used. In addition the researcher, two independent expert observers in volleyball analyzed the match records and filled the forms. All forms were compared carefully. Analyzed matches, 49 sports injuries were observed. However, 61.20%(30) of all injuries were temporary injuries ensured continuing the competition by the medical care and 38.80%(19) were serious injuries hindered continuing the play. In this context, there were 0.24 injuries per match. Upper body injury rate was 40.80% (20) whereas lower body injury rate was 59.20% (29). While block was the most dangerous technique of the play at the %55.10(27) injury rates, spike, defense and other techniques had slightly lower risk at the 12.20%(6) and 32.60%(16), respectively. In other words, 67.30%(33) of the all injuries occurred in front of the net where was repeatedly performed block and spike techniques. In conclusion, injury risk was significant in volleyball. Especially, the athletes playing front area were at greater risk in comparison with back area players. Correctly jumping and landing practices should be reduced the risk. It has suggested that the relationship between the injuries and game rules related net contact and middle line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]