Softball sliding injuries. A prospective study comparing standard and modified bases.
In a previous retrospective study, base sliding was found to be responsible for 71% of recreational softball injuries. As most injuries occurred following rapid deceleration impact against stationary bases, quick-release (breakaway) bases were evaluated as a means to modify this mechanism of injury. Six hundred thirty-three softball games were played on breakaway-base fields and 627 games were played on stationary-base fields. Forty-five sliding injuries (7%) occurred on the stationary-base diamonds and only two sliding injuries (less than 1%) occurred on the breakaway-base fields. Implementing the use of breakaway bases in recreational softball leagues could potentially achieve a significant, cost-effective reduction of injuries.
D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001484:Baseball; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007600:Judgment; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013177:Sports