Kabaddi is an indigenous sport wherein two teams are at war. One team member has to raid into the enemy’s camp, who try to defend their territory even if it is at the cost of the opposing team’s well-being.
It’s a contact sport, where there is always a struggle between the raider and the defenders. It goes without saying, then, that fitness and injuries play a huge role in the sport.
Today, we take a look at the game from the injury point of view, and what can be done to prevent and deal with physical problems.
Mechanism of kabaddi injuries:
During the game, the raider goes into the area of the defenders to win points and then come back home. Here’s a look at the various stages during which injuries are possible:
- The defenders try to stop the raider from getting back to the midline by holding on to his ankle or leg. Injuries caused as a result of this could be –
a) Traction injury to the ankle or knee joint leading to ligament sprain or a muscle strain.
b) In an attempt to release his leg, the raider might twist it or lose his balance and fall on his back, upper body or head, leading to a concussion.
c) Traction plus rotation could injure crucial ligaments of the knee and/or ankle.
- The defenders tackle by diving onto the raider to stop him from reaching midline. This could lead to –
a) Joint sprain, muscle strain in few cases, fracture to the wrist, elbow, arms or shoulder.
b) In case a heavy defender falls onto the raider he may have a risk of a crush injury to the part of the body where he falls.
During the toe touch maneuver, the opponent may overstretch his legs, straining the thigh muscles leading to a muscle strain.
The raider may injure himself by falling on an outstretched arm to touch the midline, which may cause shoulder dislocations.
Sometimes the raiders do a back-kick, side-kick or a curved kick to shoo away the defenders from ganging up. In such a situation the defenders may get hit on the face or sustain a cut or a bruise, and in rare situations it may cause dental injuries as well.
While defending the defender may incur a back concussion or knee injury when pushed away by the raider.
General injury prevention measures for kabaddi:
A. A pre-season medical, musculoskeletal and fitness assessment can help in identifying any existing weakness and/or injuries.
B. According to a study, playing on an uneven surface contributes to 15% of the injuries. The managing authorities should therefore ensure an even surface for playing.
C. The players should be aware about seeking first aid in case they get injured. It’s important to ensure that each practising team has a first aid kit and icing arrangements during training sessions as well as during matches.
D. Legwork being the most important, a player should at all times be tested for ascertained standards of leg strength and agility.
E. It’s always advisable to use skins to prevent cuts or abrasions over the body, during practice sessions as well as matches.
F. Devising a face mask to prevent abrasions and nose injuries is another useful measure.
G. It’s good to use elbow and knee cushions to reduce the amount of concussion sustained on the joints.
Preventing and dealing with injury during matches:
A. Simple measures like taping the ankle and/or knee can be a prophylactically to prevent injuries.
B. In case an injury has been sustained, ice may help to control the pain. In the absence of ice, a pain relieving spray like Volini can ease out the pain too, allowing the player to go back and finish off the match.
C. Getting a detailed evaluation done by an on-field paramedic to rule out any severe injury is a must.
Preventing post match injuries
A. The importance of performing a cool down and taking adequate rest can never be understated.
B. Following up with the medical professionals associated with the team for rehabilitation and prevention of injuries is also very important.
As we can see, kabaddi is a bit of a dangerous sport, with a high risk of injury at all times. However, with the right preventive measures and the right medication, the players can go out there and give their best without worrying too much about hurting themselves.
(Written by Kunjal Gada)
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