Abstract

In 1988 an inventory research was done on the use of braces during korfball. A written approach of the secretarial departments of all Dutch korfball clubs resulted in 184 replies of korfball players, who used a brace. This number may be an underestimation of the total number of brace users. However, these korfball players received a questionnaire in which information was asked concerning several characteristics of the brace user, the application of the brace and the occurence of injuries. The response to the questionnaire was 89. Despite a suspected selection bias a few trends can be communicated. Ankle braces were used most often by young players, especially young women. Knee braces were used most often by older players, but were rarely used at top level. Recurring injuries were most frequently registered by knee brace users. Ankle braces were recommended most often by physiotherapeutists, while knee braces most often were recommended by medical doctors. It was remarkable that three korfball players reported an injury caused by their brace to an opponent or fellow player. Verf.-Referat