Sports injuries profile of a first division Brazilian soccer team: a descriptive cohort study.

Thiago R T Santos,Sérgio T Fonseca,Rodrigo C P Lasmar,Otaviano Oliveira Júnior,Guilherme F Reis,Rômulo F F Lopes

doi:10.1590/bjpt-rbf.2014.0120

Abstract

ABSTRACTObjective: To establish the injury profile of soccer players from a first division Brazilian soccer team. In addition, we investigated the association between the characteristics of the injuries and the player's age and position. Method: Forty-eight players from a Brazilian first division soccer team were followed during one season. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the injury profile. Spearman's tests were used to verify the association between the number and severity of injuries and the player's age. Chi-square test was used to verify the association between type of injury and player's position. Fisher's exact test was used to verify the association between the severity of injuries and player's position. Results: The incidence of injuries was 42.84/1000 hours in matches and 2.40/1000 hours in training. The injury severity was 19.5±34.4 days off competition or training. Lower limb was the most common location of injury and most injuries were muscular/tendinous, overuse, non-recurrent, and non-contact injuries. Player's age correlated with the amount and severity of muscle and tendon injuries. Defenders had more minimal injuries (1-3 days lost), while forwards had more moderate (8-28 days lost) and severe injuries (>28 days lost). Furthermore, wingbacks had more muscle and tendon injuries, while midfielders had more joint and ligament injuries. Conclusion: The injury profile of the Brazilian players investigated in this study reflected regional differences in soccer practices. Results confirm the influence of the player's age and position on the soccer injuries profile.

Highlights

Professional soccer requires a high level of financial investment in structure and maintenance[1,2]
The occurrence of soccer injuries may be affected by sport-specific and context-specific factors
In order to understand the process of soccer injury, we must take into consideration the characteristics of the players and their roles, and the characteristics of the place where the sport is played

Summary

Introduction

Professional soccer requires a high level of financial investment in structure and maintenance[1,2]. Several studies have identified financial losses associated with high number of injuries in soccer due to the withdrawal of players from matches[1,2,3,4]. The implementation of preventive measures to reduce soccer injuries has received attention from sports physical therapists[5]. Documentation of the incidence, severity, and nature of injuries in high-level professional sports is the first step in developing effective preventive strategies[6]. In order to understand the process of soccer injury, we must take into consideration the characteristics of the players and their roles, and the characteristics of the place where the sport is played

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion