No Effect of a Video-Based Awareness Program on the Rate of Soccer Injuries

Abstract

Background The injury rate in soccer is high, and effective injury prevention methods are needed. Purpose To test the effect of a video-based awareness program on the incidence of acute injuries in soccer. Study Design Randomized control trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods Participants were elite male soccer players from the top 2 divisions in Iceland. Fifteen of 20 teams completed thestudy: 7 intervention teams (127 players) and 8 control teams (144 players) chosen by random. Just before the start of the 2000soccer season, the intervention teams were visited with an intervention program. The program included a 15-minutepresentation with information on the injury risk of playing elite soccer, typical injuries, and their mechanisms. Then the players workedtogether in pairs and analyzed video sequences to develop preventive strategies. The 12 video sequences were selected fromthe previous Icelandic soccer season, representing 3 typical injury mechanisms that accounted for more than half of all incidentsrecorded. During the season, team physical therapists prospectively recorded all acute injuries, and coaches recorded trainingexposure on a special form. Injury incidence was compared between groups and between the 1999 and 2000 seasons for teamsthat participated in both seasons. Results No difference was observed in injury incidence between the intervention (6.6 ± 0.7 injuries per 1000 player hours) andcontrol groups (6.6 ± 0.7 injuries per 1000 player hours). Furthermore, there was no difference in injury location or type. Conclusion The video-based injury awareness program showed no effect on injury rate.