Prevalence of injuries in basketball practice at private institutions in the city of Caaguazú, Paraguay (2025)

Abstract

Basketball practice in private institutions in the city of Caaguazú has experienced significant growth in recent years, becoming a popular sporting activity among youth and adults. However, this increase in participation has also led to a higher incidence of injuries, especially among non-professional players. In the context of Caaguazú, specific data on the prevalence of injuries among basketball players in private institutions is lacking. The collection and analysis of this data is essential to understand the magnitude of the problem. This article aims to analyze the prevalence of injuries among basketball players in private institutions in Caaguazú, providing valuable information to improve the health and well-being of athletes in the region. This is a descriptive, non-experimental, cross-sectional study that surveyed basketball players aged 5 to 23 years in the city of Caaguazú during April and May 2025. The results showed a high prevalence of sprains (63%), mainly in the ankle (33%) and knee (27%), with prolonged recovery times (>3 months in 54% of cases) and significant sequelae (45% decreased performance, 33% chronic pain). Statistical analysis included chi-square tests for associations. The findings revealed that high training loads and competitive frequency were significantly associated with a higher injury risk (p<0.05). As novel aspects, this study highlights the high rate of sports dropouts (16%) and deficiencies in rehabilitation protocols in non-professional settings. It is concluded that the implementation of evidence-based preventive programs, with an emphasis on neuromuscular strengthening and adequate load management, could substantially reduce the incidence and consequences of these injuries. These results provide valuable evidence for optimizing sports training programs in youth basketball.