Elite Football Players Research Articles

ACL Research Retreat V

ACL Research Retreat V

Acute hamstring injuries in Danish elite football: A 12‐month prospective registration study among 374 players

The purpose of the present study was to examine the incidence rates of acute hamstring injuries in Danish elite football sustained during training or match play. Furthermore, it was our intention to document details about the recurrence, severity and the injury seasonal distribution. Hamstring injuries among 374 elite football players were registered prospectively during a 12-month period. A total of 46 first-time and eight recurrent hamstring injuries were registered. The incidence rates for incurring a first-time hamstring injury showed a significantly (P<0.01) greater incidence rate per 1000 h during match play compared with training. Of 32 players who reported a hamstring injury in the 12-month period before the study, eight (25%) incurred an injury that fulfilled the criteria for a recurrent injury. In 69% of the injuries, the severity of injury was categorized as moderate (8-28 days from injury to injury free) and 18% as severe (>28 days from injury to injury free). Each team sustained a mean of 3.4 hamstring injuries per season, with a mean of 21.5 days missed per injury (range 3-136; median 16 days per injury). The seasonal distribution showed an accumulation of injuries in the first 2 months after a 3.5-month mid-season winter break.

Differences in the Game Specific Skills of Elite and Sub-Elite Youth Football Players: Implications for Talent Identification

The concept of multidimensional talent modelling offers a recent attempt to objectively identify sporting talent in adolescents, of which game specific skill assessment has become a significant dimension. Previous studies have used closed skill testing to assess ‘open’ skills in youth football players, often finding such measures to discriminate between elite and sub-elite groups. The current study used an example performance analysis template to; 1) Identify differences in performance indicators between pre-determined groups of elite and sub-elite performers during an open match environment; 2) Identify differences in performance indicators between positional groups of elite and sub-elite performers at separate levels of competition; 3) Individually identify sub-elite players compared to a normative profile of elite positional counterparts. Results from Mann-Whitney U testing suggested that elite players are significantly higher (p<0.0028) performers within 9 of 18 performance indicators. Comparisons refined by position and round of competition found only one indicator to distinguish between elite and sub-elite players. The use of a normative profiling method demonstrated how sub-elite players may be analysed relative to elite counterparts. Results are discussed in relation to the advantages of performance analysis as a preferred measure of game specific skills in the talent identification process.

Recreational football as a health promoting activity: a topical review

The present review addresses the physiological demands during recreational football training and the effects on central health variables that influence the risk of life-style diseases of young and middle-aged men. Recent studies have established that recreational football, carried out as small-sided games can be characterized as having a high aerobic component with mean heart rates of 80-85% of maximum heart rate, which is similar to values observed for elite football players. In addition, the training includes multiple high-speed runs, sprints, turns, jumps and tackles, which provide a high impact on muscles and bones. Recreational football training in untrained men results in marked improvements in maximum aerobic power, blood pressure, muscle capillarization and intermittent exercise performance, and those effects are similar to interval training and more pronounced than moderate-intensity continuous running and strength training. Further, recreational football training enhances fat oxidation during exercise and results in a higher fat loss than interval training and strength training, and results in marked muscle hypertrophy and elevates bone mass, more than interval and continuous running. Taken together, recreational football appears to effectively stimulate musculoskeletal, metabolic and cardiovascular adaptations of importance for health and thereby reduces the risk of developing life-style diseases.

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Investigation of the Transversus Abdominis Muscle During Drawing-in of the Abdominal Wall in Elite Australian Football League Players With and Without Low Back Pain

Single-blinded quasi-experimental study. To investigate the ability of elite football players with and without low back pain (LBP) to voluntarily draw-in the abdominal wall. While there has been considerable debate regarding the contribution of the transversus abdominis (TrA) muscle to control the lumbar spine and pelvis, there is evidence that retraining motor control of the deep trunk muscles is commensurate with decreases in LBP. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used to assess the TrA muscle during the draw-in maneuver, with the contraction of the TrA muscle reducing the circumference of the trunk. Impairments in performance of the draw-in maneuver have been shown in people with LBP. Forty-three elite players from a team in the Australian Football League were allocated to 3 groups: those with "no LBP," "a history of LBP but no current LBP," or "current LBP." MRI was used to image the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the trunk at the level of the L3-4 disc at the start and end of the draw-in maneuver. There was a significant decrease in the CSA of the trunk with the performance of the draw-in maneuver (P<.001). Subjects in the "no LBP" group were better able to "draw-in" the abdominal wall than subjects with current LBP (P = .015). This study provides evidence of an altered ability to draw-in the abdominal wall in footballers with current LBP. Retraining contraction of the TrA muscle may constitute one part of an exercise-therapy approach for athletes with current LBP.

143 Echocardiographic assessment of cardiac remodeling in the high-level football player

The aim of this study is to assess the morphological and hemodynamic cardiovascular changes of 24 high-level football players, using Doppler-echocar-diography, and compare them to a similar control group. Twenty-four elite football players were matched to 24 normal subjects according to age, sex, and body surface. All participants had a clinical examination, resting ECG, Doppler-echocardiography and a measurement of maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 max). The echocardiographic variables were compared between two groups by the Student's t-test and other statistical tests, using the SPSS 12 for Windows software. Compared to the control group, the wall thickness (10.49+1.04 vs. 7.5+2.04 mm, p<0.05), the LV end-diastolic diameter (57.1+3.70 vs. 41.2+3.65 mm, p<0.01) and left atrium surface (20.16+2.03 vs. 16.16+1.83 cm 2, p<0.01) were significantly more important in football players. The LV and RV ejection fractions were similar in both groups. The RV long-axis diastolic diameter (8+0.5 vs. 6.5+1.1 mm, p<0.01) and S-wave using DTI (0.17+0.02 vs. 0.14+0.02, p<0.05) were more important among football players. This study on the cardiac remodeling in high-level athletes permits to have a distinctive approach between physiological and pathological remodeling. This remodeling varies according to the player's post and exercise capacities. In a football player, a correlation between physical level and physical capacity is plausible.

Injuries among male and female elite football players

All 12 female football clubs (228 players) and 11 of 14 male clubs (239 players) in the Swedish premier league were followed prospectively during the 2005 season. Individual exposure (playing time), injuries (time loss), and injury severity (days lost due to injury) were recorded by the team medical staffs. Injury incidence was higher for male players during both training (4.7 vs 3.8 injuries/1000 h, P=0.018) and match play (28.1 vs 16.1, P<0.001). However, no difference was found in the incidence of severe injury (absence >4 weeks) (0.7/1000 h in both groups). The thigh, especially the hamstrings, was the overall most commonly injured region in both sexes, while the hip/groin was more commonly injured in male players and the knee in female players. Knee ligament injuries accounted for 31% and 37% of the total time lost from football for male and female players, respectively. In conclusion, male elite players had a higher injury incidence than their female counterparts although no difference was observed in the incidence of moderate to severe injury. We recommend that preventive measures should be focused on hamstring and knee ligament injury in order to reduce the overall injury burden.

Benefits and limitations of cardiovascular pre-competition screening in international football

Competitive sport can serve as a trigger for sudden cardiac death (SCD). The majority of athletes who die suddenly have previously unsuspected structural heart disease. Medical evaluation before competition offers the potential to identify cardiovascular abnormalities in asymptomatic athletes. Consensus on the ideal screening programme has not been reached. So, a cardiovascular pre-competition screening of elite football players was developed and implemented prior to the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany to detect SCD risk factors. Medical history, physical examination, 12-lead resting- and exercise electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiography results of the players were recorded on a standardised form by the team physicians and submitted after the final match for retrospective evaluation by two blinded independent cardiologic reviewers. Response rate was 82% (605 of 736 players). Completeness and quality of the recordings and examination methods differed amongst teams. In 25 players (4.8%), the examining physicians evaluated the resting ECG as pathological. Suspicious echocardiographic findings demanding further investigations to rule out serious cardiovascular disease existed in 1% of the players. Cardiovascular pre-competition screening proved feasible in international elite football teams, but turned out to be vital to ensure high quality of data, particularly with regard to stress testing and echocardiography. The screening concept was revised mainly to improve completeness and quality of data acquisition. Resting ECG and echocardiography were retained, but it is questionable if exercise testing should be included in this context.

Development and Implementation of a Standardized Precompetition Medical Assessment of International Elite Football Players-2006 FIFA World Cup Germany

To create a model for the precompetition medical assessment (PCMA) of international elite football players aimed at identifying risk factors and to assess the feasibility of standardized requirements for teams from countries with variable medical standards. Descriptive feasibility study. Medical assessment of professional football players before a major international competition. Thirty-two national football teams comprising 736 players participating in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. A standardized football-specific PCMA was developed, and all team physicians were asked to perform the PCMA before the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Response rate, completeness of documentation forms, and quality of data. Of all 32 teams participating in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the precompetition assessment forms of 26 teams (response rate 81%) were returned. Of the initial target population of 736 players, the data of 582 players (79%) were analyzed. The average completeness of the forms ranged from 34% to 94% among teams and average completeness of the different sections of the forms from 78% to 98%. Quality of data provided varied considerably. The response rate of 81% demonstrated that a standardized approach is possible, whereas results and quality of data required adaptations of the form and review of the implementation procedure.

Precompetition Orthopedic Assessment of International Elite Football Players

To assess the feasibility of the orthopedic part of a standardized precompetition medical assessment (PCMA) in teams from countries with variable medical background and to collect data on medical history and musculoskeletal findings of the players participating in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Retrospective analysis of the PCMA forms. Five hundred fifty-three players (75.1%) participating in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The team physicians of participating teams were instructed to perform a specific standardized PCMA in all players before the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The orthopedic section included medical history and orthopedic examination of the lower extremity. The completeness of the orthopedic section was in general very high, but the quality of recordings and examination technique differed among teams. About half of the players (51%) were reported to have sustained at least 1 severe football injury, with ligament/meniscus lesions of the knee and ligament injuries of the ankle being the most frequent diagnoses. Pathological findings on examination were rare. A standardized PCMA including comprehensive orthopedic examination is principally feasible in international elite football. The challenge is to ensure the quality of the physical examinations and to verify their predictive value.

Precompetition Cardiac Assessment of Football Players Participating in the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany

To develop a precompetition medical assessment (PCMA) of elite football players aimed at identifying risk factors for sudden cardiac death. Retrospective analysis of the PCMA forms. Of the 32 national teams (with 23 players), PCMA forms from 605 players were submitted after the final match (82%). Data of 582 players were analyzed (79%). Recorded results of a standardized PCMA in all players before the 2006 FIFA World Cup including medical history, physical examination, resting/exercise electrocardiogram, and echocardiography were analyzed by 2 independent cardiologic reviewers. Apart from general deficits in data quality, at least 6 players (1.0%) could be identified as demanding further investigations to rule out a serious cardiovascular disease. Comprehensive cardiac testing is feasible in international elite football. To improve future results, the PCMA was revised. It is questionable if exercise stress testing should be included in future PCMA. To ensure correct results, sports cardiologic expertise is essential. In the face of organizational challenges and variable medical standards, alternative approaches to the practical implementation of the PCMA need to be investigated.

Novo Parafuso (Acutrak®) No tratamento cirúrgico de jogadores de futebol de elite com fraturas do quinto metatarso

OBJETIVO: Há uma variabilidade considerável na literatura no que tange ao tratamento ideal de fraturas do quinto metatarso. O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar os resultados da fixação cirúrgica de fraturas do quinto metatarso usando o parafuso Acutrak® em jogadores de futebol de elite. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Três casos de fratura do quinto metatarso em jogadores de futebol de elite são apresentados. A média de idade dos pacientes era de 24 anos (18-26 anos). Tratamos as três fraturas do quinto metatarso em jogadores de futebol de elite. Os casos em nosso estudo consistiam de uma fratura diafisiária do quinto metatarso e duas fraturas de Jones. As fraturas ocorreram durante a participação nos jogos. Aplicamos fixação interna utilizando um parafuso Acutrak® percutâneo sob anestesia local com o auxílio de um fluoroscópio. Os pacientes foram clinica e radiograficamente avaliados. RESULTADOS: O restabelecimento clínico foi obtido em 10 semanas após a cirurgia. A consolidação radiográfica ocorreu em 8 semanas de pós-operatório, sendo que os pacientes retornaram a seus níveis prévios de atividade em 11 semanas de pós-operatório. Não foi relatada nenhuma complicação pósoperatória. Não se observou nenhuma irritação de pele devido à ausência de cabeça do parafuso Acutrak®. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados sugerem que Acutrak® pode ser usado em jogadores de futebol com fraturas do quinto metatarso. Apesar de fatores como facilidade de implante, o custo e a resistência a inclinação também devem ser considerados.

SY3.1 Mental well being in elite football players

SY3.1 Mental well being in elite football players

Elite football on artificial turf versus natural grass: Movement patterns, technical standards, and player impressions

The aim of the present study was to examine the movement patterns, ball skills, and the impressions of Swedish elite football players during competitive games on artificial turf and natural grass. Time – motion analyses (36 observations) and technical analyses (16 team observations) were performed and 72 male and 21 female players completed a questionnaire. No differences were observed between artificial turf and natural grass in terms of total distance covered (mean 10.19 km, s = 0.19 vs. 10.33 km, s = 0.23), high-intensity running (1.86 km, s = 0.10 vs. 1.87 km, s = 0.14), number of sprints (21, s = 1 vs. 22, s = 2), standing tackles (10, s = 1 vs. 11, s = 1) or headers per game (8, s = 1 vs. 8, s = 1), whereas there were fewer sliding tackles (P < 0.05) on artificial turf than natural grass (2.1, s = 0.5 vs. 4.3, s = 0.6). There were more short passes (218, s = 14 vs. 167, s = 12) and midfield-to-midfield passes (148, s = 11 vs. 107, s = 8) (both P < 0.05) on artificial turf than natural grass. On a scale of 0 – 10, where 0 = “better than”, 5 = “equal to”, and 10 = “worse than”, the male players reported a negative overall impression (8.3, s = 0.2), poorer ball control (7.3, s = 0.3), and greater physical effort (7.2, s = 0.2) on artificial turf than natural grass. In conclusion, the running activities and technical standard were similar during games on artificial turf and natural grass. However, fewer sliding tackles and more short passes were performed during games on artificial turf. The observed change in playing style could partly explain the male players' negative impression of artificial turf.

Seasonal alterations in serum iron levels in elite football players

It is very important to monitor levels of serum iron and other factors of iron metabolism and oxygen transport system as they play a very important role in functional ability of football players. A decrease in serum iron level can be the very first sign of development of iron deficiency anaemia, which seriously influences health and functional ability of an athlete and is a common problem in competitive sports. The aim of this study was to observe and evaluate changes in serum iron values during the competition season in relation to the training process. During four years, serum iron level was measured in 28-34 players of one of the top football clubs in Serbia, four times a year: at the beginning and at peak-point of both half-seasons. Differences between basic and control findings, relative and absolute changes in serum iron levels and statistical significance of the findings were than calculated. There was a significant decrease in mean serum iron levels on each control test, compared to basic values. Mean value of control serum iron levels is significantly lower than mean of preseason values (20.64 +/- 6.58 vs. 16.38 +/- 5.51 micromol/l). A significant decrease in serum iron level among footballers during both half-seasons is most probably due to an increased loss and/or diminished absorption resulting from a high intensity training process. Because the decline in serum iron may be an early sign of iron store depletion and iron deficiency anaemia, it is very important to evaluate it regularly, along with other factors of iron metabolism and oxygen transport system.

Immune response to hepatitis B vaccine in elite athletes

Hepatitis B viral infection can create serious health problems, such as acute and chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis of liver and hepatocellular carcinoma. Athletes have bigger risk of hepatitis B infection due to frequent injuries with bleeding, their style of living (promiscuity), close contact with teammates, etc. The aim of this study was to investigate the immune response to hepatitis B vaccine among elite athletes, compared to corresponding control group of male subjects front general non-athlete population, and to test out reaction in relation to age. There were 21 elite football players and 30 control non-athlete males. After written consent, they all received three doses of hepatitis B vaccine (Euvax B, Sanofi Pasteur) during 6 months. Eight weeks later, their immune response (as anti-HBs antibody titre in serum) was assessed and statistical significance of the findings was tested. The level of immune response was also evaluated in different age clusters within test groups. None of the footballers was without response to the vaccine. One of the subjects from the control group did not develop it. The group of athletes was with better mean values of antibody titre (1626621 mIU/ml vs. 1568455 mIU/ml), but without statistical significance (t = 0.375: p > 0.05), and with a greater deal of subjects who developed very good immune response (titre over 2000 mIU/ml). Younger football players had better immune reaction than older (age 18-24, 1795560 mIU/ml, vs. age 25-29 years, 1597470 mIU/ml vs. age 30 and more, 1360904 mIU/ml), but without statistical importance (H = 1.593; p > 0.05). Our study has shown that elite athletes respond very well to hepatitis B vaccination and have good immune response. Vaccination against hepatitis B of elite athletes is very important, because viral infection can seriously affect their health and stop their careers.

A Study on Career Development Process and Career Professional Orientation of The Elite Football Players in Korea High School

A Study on Career Development Process and Career Professional Orientation of The Elite Football Players in Korea High School

OUT OF AFRICA: THE EXODUS OF ELITE AFRICAN FOOTBALL TALENT TO EUROPE

The squad rosters of the participating teams at recent editions of the biennial African Cup of Nations reveals that the majority of Africa's elite football players ply their trade in Europe and that this is a trend that is increasing year by year. For example, at the 2000 tournament cohosted by Ghana and Nigeria, just over 50 percent of the players were signed to a European club. For the 2002 competition in Mali, this figure had increased to 66 percent and for the 2004 edition in Tunisia it stood at 67 percent. Although the exodus of Africa's football talent to Europe has accelerated significantly since the early 1990s, it is important to recognize that this process has long historical roots. This article examines the changing patterns in the transit of African footballers to Europe and demonstrates the ways in which these patterns have been underpinned by broader developments within the political economy of world football.

237 A novel agility test assessing forward-backward running: comparison between elite and non-elite touch football players

237 A novel agility test assessing forward-backward running: comparison between elite and non-elite touch football players

Individualized Aerobic-Power Training in an Underperforming Youth Elite Association Football Player

A 7-week, 10-session individual training program was implemented with a youth elite football (soccer) player who had been underperforming because of poor aerobic fitness. The intervention focused on developing aerobic power and high lactate production and contributed to a 32.3% improvement in a football-specific performance test. The player was able to return to play and exceed expected performance levels during competitive match play.