Intrinsic variables associated with low back pain and lumbar spine injury in fast bowlers in cricket: a systematic review.

Background: Lumbar spine injuries in fast bowlers account for the greatest missed playing time in cricket. A range of extrinsic and intrinsic variables are hypothesised to be associated with low back pain and lumbar spine injury in fast bowlers, and an improved understanding of intrinsic variables is necessary as these may alter load tolerance and injury risk associated with fast bowling. This review critically evaluated studies reporting intrinsic variables associated with low back pain and lumbar spine injury in fast bowlers and identified areas for future investigation.

Variability of PlayerLoad, Bowling Velocity, and Performance Execution in Fast Bowlers Across Repeated Bowling Spells.

Purpose: The use of wearable microtechnology to monitor the external load of fast bowling is challenged by the inherent variability of bowling techniques between bowlers. This study assessed the between-bowlers variability in PlayerLoad, bowling velocity, and performance execution across repeated bowling spells.

Methods: Seven national-level fast bowlers completed two 6-over bowling spells at a batter during a competitive training session.

The validity of microsensors to automatically detect bowling events and counts in cricket fast bowlers.

Purpose: Bowling workload is linked to injury risk in cricket fast bowlers. This study investigated the validity of microtechnology in the automated detection of bowling counts and events, including run-up distance and velocity, in cricket fast bowlers.

Method: Twelve highly skilled fast bowlers (mean ± SD age 23.

Training and competition workloads and fatigue responses of elite junior cricket players.

Purpose: This study investigated key fatigue and workload variables of cricket fast bowlers and nonfast bowlers during a 7-wk physical-preparation period and 10-d intensified competition period.

Methods: Twenty-six elite junior cricketers (mean ± SD age 17.7 ± 1.

Pace bowlers in cricket with history of lumbar stress fracture have increased risk of lower limb muscle strains, particularly calf strains.

Objective: To assess whether a history of lumbar stress fracture in pace bowlers in cricket is a risk factor for lower limb muscle strains.

Methods: This was a prospective cohort risk factor study, conducted using injury data from contracted first class pace bowlers in Australia during seasons 1998-1999 to 2008-2009 inclusive. There were 205 pace bowlers, 33 of whom suffered a lumbar stress fracture when playing first class cricket.

Throwing workload and injury risk in elite cricketers.

Objective: To investigate the risk between throwing workload and upper limb injury in elite cricketers.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Setting: Elite Australian cricket.

The reliability of musculoskeletal screening tests used in cricket.

Objectives: To determine the inter- and intra-observer reliability of a field-based musculoskeletal screening protocol used to measure potential injury risk factors in cricket fast bowlers.

Design: Test-retest reliability study.

Setting: High performance Australian cricket.