Abstract des Autors

This paper sets a focus on injuries in female handball and other team sports. According to the genetic basis and different effects of sex hormones, male and female athletes differ in some relevant anatomical and physiological aspects with a high impact for injuries. Different studies could demonstrate a higher risk for ACL injuries in female compared to male athletes. In handball, a fivefold higher risk for an ACL rupture could be demonstrated in female compared to male players. This is also true for younger players. Neuromuscular differences are discussed as possible mechanisms for gender-depending risks. Movement patterns while jumping and landing seem to have a high impact for the injury risk in team sports. Data on the injury risk during the menstrual cycle are conflicting. Some dependency, however, seems to exist. A possible mechanism might be a cycle-dependent reduction of the stability of the ACL. Studies on the preventive effects of oral contraceptive pills are also conflicting, not allowing any evidence-based recommendations. From a preventive point of view, some sports-specific movement patterns might be changed, like one- or two-leg landing in handball, width of feet position or ancle of knee flexion while landing, etc. Muscular dysbalances should be reduced, muscular strength in the tigh muscles increased, and proprioception and coordination optimized. A Norwegian group could demonstrate in an interventional study that a proprioceptive training program could reduce the risk for ACL injuries in female handball players dramatically. Verf.-Referat