Table 3.

Difference in performance variables between preinjury and postinjury seasons in NBA Players in group 1 ^a.

Variable	Decline in Players Who Returned for At Least 1 Season After Injury	P value
Minutes played per game	2.53 (0.38 to 4.68)	0.023b
PER	1.27 (-0.06 to 2.61)	0.061b

^aValues are expressed as mean (95% confidence interval). The difference in mean performance variables between 2 years before injury and at least 1 season after injury year was assessed for each variable using paired-samples t tests between seasons. Mean differences per player are represented as positive or negative, where positive differences indicate greater numbers preinjury versus postinjury. Includes only players who returned for meaningful careers (>1 season, n = 34). NBA, National Basketball Association; PER: Player Efficiency Rating.

^bStatistically significant at.