Physical, psychosocial and dual-career loads as risk factors for injuries and illnesses in elite handball players: a 45-week prospective cohort study

Training and competition loads are key modifiable risk factors for injury and illness, while dual career might serve as a protective factor. While negative life events appear to be associated with illness, the overall volume of life changes-regardless of whether they are positive or negative-emerges as a significant factor in injury risk. Our results support the development of an integrated biopsychosocial model of athlete's health, where sports- and non-sports-related loads, together with life events shape an athlete's vulnerability to injury and illness.