re-injury anxiety in elite iranian handball players: a cross-sectional study

Background: fear of re-injury is a common psychological challenge in athletes that can negatively impact the rehabilitation process and return to sport. objectives: this study aimed to investigate the prevalence and related factors of fear of re-injury among elite iranian male and female handball players. methods: in 2023, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving elite handball players from iran's premier league and divisions one and two. participants were distributed an online questionnaire, including the re-injury anxiety inventory (riai) and a sports injury history questionnaire. two hundred twenty players (164 men and 56 women) completed the survey. data on injury type, location, and timing were also collected. statistical analysis was performed using independent ttests with spss22 software. results: most handball players had a history of serious sports injuries, with higher rates in women (98.21%) than men (93.90%). non-contact injuries were more common in men (60.36%), while contact injuries were slightly more common in women (51.78%). injuries occurred more frequently during training in women (53.57%) and competition in men (49.39%). men had a significantly higher fear of re-injury than women (p = 0.002), and this fear was greater in athletes with a history of injury (p = 0.014). conclusions: fear of re-injury is prevalent among elite handball players, especially men and those with prior injuries. injury patterns differ between men and women, and protective equipment prevents injuries. these insights can aid in creating intervention programs to reduce re-injury fears and enhance return-to-sport outcomes in handball players.