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Author
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Mandiringa, Jannet
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Title
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Developing ankle injury prevention strategies for under-14 female tennis players in Harare Central district schools
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Abstract
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This study aimed to develop ankle injury prevention strategies for under-14 female tennis players in Harare Central District Schools. The study recognized a real need, given that ankle injuries have been shown to hinder athletes’ overall sporting performance and participation in sporting activities generally. This study sought to quantify and characterize ankle injuries in this group of athletes, explore contributory factors to ankle injuries, assess current injury prevention strategies, and finally to design a program specific to the context of the group. Mixed methods research included a quantitative and qualitative approach to inform the study. Quantitatively, 72 under-14 female tennis players were randomly sampled, and completed structured questionnaires focusing on injury prevalence and prevention methodologies. Qualitatively, and using purposive sampling 8 stakeholders were interviewed to inform regarding their lived experiences, understandings, knowledge, and perceptions around ankle injuries and ankle injury prevention strategies. Data analysis consisted of a statistical analysis of the quantitative data using SPSS, and a thematic analysis of the qualitative data using Vivo software, so that common trends and themes could be generated. These findings illustrated a concern of high prevalence of ankle injuries, that participants had a past injury and were aware of their injury risks in the training environments that they would play in. Correlations indicated that even though players recognized the importance of warm-up exercises when it came to ankle strengthening exercises, they usually did not do them. The study had numerous biomechanical, training issues, and environmental factors that contributed to injury risk, including inappropriate footwear, training environments that had poor conditions and recovery in training schedules that did not allow for appropriate recovery. Participants voiced needing more education on injury prevention and the need more focused programs. Current injury prevention protocols generally deemed ineffective by players as they felt their needs were not made. Statistical analysis showed that 58% of the players reported having at least one ankle injury in their lifetime. In the past year 33% experienced ankle injuries with 60% of these injuries being sprains. Overall, the study identified the urgency for players under 14 female tennis players in Harare to have specific ankle injury prevention strategies. Overall, the findings show the need to consider both intrinsic and extrinsic factors in injury prevention initiatives. Developing context-specific programs that included education, safe training environments, and injury prevention strategies may contribute towards protecting and improving safety and performance for young female players, and encourage long-term participation in tennis.
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Date
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June 2025
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Publisher
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BUSE
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Keywords
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Ankle Injury Prevention
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Under-14 Female Tennis Players
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Supervisor
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D. Mukwawaya
Mandiringa, Jannet.pdf