Elite Male Football Players Research Articles

Reliability of externally fixed dynamometry hamstring strength testing in elite youth football players.

To investigate inter and intra-tester reliability of an externally fixed dynamometry unilateral hamstring strength test, in the elite sports setting. Reliability study. Sixteen, injury-free, elite male youth football players (age=16.81±0.54 years, height=180.22±5.29cm, weight 73.88±6.54kg, BMI=22.57±1.42) gave written informed consent. Unilateral maximum isometric peak hamstring force was evaluated by externally fixed dynamometry for inter-tester, intra-day and intra-tester, inter-week reliability. The test position was standardised to correlate with the terminal swing phase of the gait running cycle. Inter and intra-tester values demonstrated good to high levels of reliability. The intra-class coefficient (ICC) for inter-tester, intra-day reliability was 0.87 (95% CI=0.75-0.93) with standard error of measure percentage (SEM%) 4.7 and minimal detectable change percentage (MDC%) 12.9. Intra-tester, inter-week reliability results were ICC 0.86 (95% CI, 0.74-0.93), SEM% 5.0 and MDC% 14.0. This study demonstrates good to high inter and intra-tester reliability of isometric externally fixed dynamometry unilateral hamstring strength testing in the regular elite sport setting involving elite male youth football players. The intra-class coefficient in association with the low standard error of measure and minimal detectable change percentages suggest that this procedure is appropriate for clinical and academic use as well as monitoring hamstring strength in the elite sport setting.

Sports-related concussion increases the risk of subsequent injury by about 50% in elite male football players

BackgroundLittle is known about the short-term and long-term sequelae of concussion, and about when athletes who have sustained such injuries can safely return to play.PurposeTo examine whether sports-related concussion increases...

Small Multifidus Muscle Size Predicts Football Injuries

Background:In Australian football, lower limb injuries have had the highest incidence and prevalence rates. Previous studies have shown that football players with relatively more severe preseason and playing season hip, groin, and thigh injuries had a significantly smaller multifidus muscle compared with players with no lower limb injuries. Rehabilitation of the multifidus muscle, with restoration of its size and function, has been associated with decreased recurrence rates of episodic low back pain and decreased numbers of lower limb injuries in football players. Assessment of multifidus muscle size and function could potentially be incorporated into a model that could be used to predict injuries in football players.Purpose:To examine the robustness of multifidus muscle measurements as a predictor of lower limb injuries incurred by professional football players.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.Methods:Ultrasound examinations were carried out on 259 male elite football players at the start of the preseason and 261 players at the start of the playing season. Injury data were obtained from records collected by the Australian Football League (AFL) club staff during the preseason and the playing season.Results:Decreased size of the multifidus muscle at L5 consistently predicted injury in the preseason and playing season. Asymmetry of the multifidus muscle and low back pain were significantly related to lower limb injuries in the preseason, and having no preferred kicking leg was related to season injuries. Seasonal change in the size of the multifidus muscle indicating a decrease in muscle mass was linked to injury. Sensitivity and specificity of the model were 60.6% and 84.9% for the preseason and 91.8% and 45.8% for the playing season, respectively.Conclusion:A model was developed for prediction of lower limb injuries in football players with potential utility for club medical staff. Of particular note is the finding that changes in muscle size from the preseason to the playing season predicted injury.Clinical Relevance:As size of the multifidus muscle has been shown to be modifiable with training and has been associated with reduced pain and occurrence of injuries, this information could be incorporated in current programs of injury prevention.

Effects of Aircast brace and elastic bandage on physical performance of athletes after ankle injuries

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of using Aircast® orthosis and elastic bandage application on the physical performance of athletes with ankle injuries. The study included 60 elite male football players with ankle injuries. Ankle range of motion on the sagittal and frontal plane was measured. One maximum repetition test for the tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior and peroneal muscles; fingertip rise test, single- and double-feet vertical jump tests and 10-step/sec test for the gastrosoleus were performed. All tests were performed three times; without brace application, wrapped in elastic bandage and fitted with the Aircast® orthosis. There was no statistically significant difference between the test results of single-foot vertical jump, 10-step/sec and fingertip rise tests (p>0.05). Double-feet vertical jump test results with both exterior supports were better than the ankle without any support (p<0.05). Vertical jump test results were significantly higher with the Aircast® orthosis than elastic bandage (p<0.05). Inversion and eversion movements were restricted significantly more in the Aircast® orthosis than in the elastic bandage (p<0.05). Although external supports restrict the foot-ankle range of motion in specific ratios, these restrictions did not adversely affect the athlete's physical fitness. The Aircast® orthosis was more effective than the elastic bandage in reducing injury risk, preventing repetitive injuries and providing an early return to sports.

Normative data for the Functional Movement Screen™ in male Gaelic field sports

ObjectiveTo determine normative values for the Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS) in Elite and Sub-Elite male Gaelic Football and Hurling players. DesignA cross sectional study of functional movement in Gaelic games at Elite and Sub-Elite level. Players were video recorded completing the Functional Movement Screen Tool and scored post-test. Comparisons were analysed using Mann–Whitney U tests. SettingField testing in team gym facility and university biomechanics laboratory. ParticipantsA total of 62 players were tested. This consisted of 41 Hurling, and 21 Gaelic Football players. 30 of these participants were deemed Elite and 32 were deemed Sub-Elite. The mean age of the sample was 22.15 ± 3.02 years. Main Outcome MeasuresFunctional Movement Screen™ (FMS). ResultsThe FMS mean score for the sample was 15.56 ± 1.46. The Elite group (15.8 ± 1.58) scored higher than the Sub-Elite group (15.34 ± 1.31) but there was no significant difference between groups. ConclusionsThis study provides normative reference values for Gaelic Players. Elite Gaelic Players perform no better than a young, active population in the FMS indicating a potential problem with the FMS as a measure.

Resting ECG findings in elite football players

The purpose of the study was to evaluate ECG abnormalities in a large sample of elite football players. Data from 566 elite male football players (57 of them of African origin) above 16 years of age were screened retrospectively (age: 20.9 ± 5.3 years; BMI: 22.9 ± 1.7 kg · m−2, training history: 13.8 ± 4.7 years). The resting ECGs were analysed and classified according to the most current ECG categorisation of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) (2010) and a classification of Pelliccia et al. (2000) in order to assess the impact of the new ESC-approach. According to the classification of Pelliccia, 52.5% showed mildly abnormal ECG patterns and 12% were classified as distinctly abnormal ECG patterns. According to the classification of the ESC, 33.7% showed ‘uncommon ECG patterns’. Short-QT interval was the most frequent ECG pattern in this group (41.9%), followed by a shortened PR-interval (19.9%). When assessed with a QTc cut-off-point of 340 ms (instead of 360 ms), only 22.2% would have had ‘uncommon ECG patterns’. Resting ECG changes amongst elite football players are common. Adjustment of the ESC criteria by adapting proposed time limits for the ECG (e.g. QTc, PR) should further reduce the rate of false-positive results.

Recurrence of Achilles tendon injuries in elite male football players is more common after early return to play: an 11-year follow-up of the UEFA Champions League injury study

BackgroundThere is limited information about Achilles tendon disorders in professional football.AimsTo investigate the incidence, injury circumstances, lay-off times and reinjury rates of Achilles tendon disorders in male professional football.MethodsA total...

Upper extremity injuries in male elite football players

To investigate the epidemiology of upper extremity injuries in male elite football players and to describe their characteristics, incidence and lay-off times. Between 2001 and 2011, 57 male European elite football teams (2,914 players and 6,215 player seasons) were followed prospectively. Time-loss injuries and exposure to training and matches were recorded on individual basis. In total, 11,750 injuries were recorded, 355 (3 %) of those affected the upper extremities giving an incidence of 0.23 injuries/1,000 h of football. The incidence in match play was almost 7 times higher than in training (0.83 vs. 0.12 injuries/1,000 h, rate ratio 6.7, 95 % confidence interval 5.5-8.3). As much as 32 % of traumatic match injuries occurred as a result of foul play situations. Goalkeepers had a significantly higher incidence of upper extremity injuries compared to outfield players (0.80 vs. 0.16 injuries/1,000 h, rate ratio 5.0, 95 % confidence interval 4.0-6.2). The average absence due to an upper extremity injury was 23 ± 34 days. Upper extremity injuries are uncommon among male elite football players. Goalkeepers, however, are prone to upper extremity injury, with a five times higher incidence compared to outfield players. II.

Incidence of Injury in Gaelic Football

Background: Gaelic football is a national sport of Ireland. While predominantly played in Ireland, it is recognized in North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australasia. Its high-velocity, multidirectional, and high physical contact elements expose players to a risk of injury. To date, prospective injury data for Gaelic football has been of short duration. Purpose: To describe the incidence and nature of sport-related injuries in elite male Gaelic football players over 4 consecutive seasons. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: Over the period 2007 to 2010, a total of 851 Gaelic football players were tracked. Players were members of county-level teams who volunteered to be included in the study. Team injury, training, and match play data were submitted by the team physiotherapist on a weekly basis through a dedicated web portal to the National Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) injury database. Injury was defined using a time loss criterion, in accordance with consensus statements in sports applicable to Gaelic games. Results: A total of 1014 Gaelic football injuries were recorded. Incidence of injury was 4.05 per 1000 hours of football training. Match-play injury rates were 61.86 per 1000 hours. Muscle was the most frequently injured tissue (42.6%) and fractures accounted for 4.4% of Gaelic football injuries. Lower extremity injuries predominated (76.0%). Hamstring injuries were the single most common injury overall, representing almost one quarter (24%) of all injuries and over half of muscle injuries. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries accounted for 13% of knee injuries. The majority of injuries were defined as new injuries (74.7%), with recurrent injuries constituting 23% of all injuries. The majority (59%) of match play injuries occurred in the second half of the match. Eighty six percent of injuries caused over one week’s absence from play. Conclusion: These findings illustrate injury patterns in Gaelic football using a prospective methodology, over 4 consecutive seasons. Comparison with published literature suggests that Gaelic football match play injury risk is greater than soccer but less than rugby union.

Ethnic differences in ventricular hypertrabeculation on cardiac MRI in elite football players

Left ventricular (LV) trabeculation may be more pronounced in ethnic African than in Caucasian (European) athletes, leading to possible incorrect diagnosis of left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC). This study investigates ethnic differences in LV hypertrabeculation amongst elite athletes with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and electrocardiography (ECG). 38 elite male football (soccer) players (mean age 23.0, range 19-34years, 28/38 European, 10/38 African) underwent CMR and ECG. Hypertrabeculation was assessed using the ratio of non-compacted to compacted myocardium (NC/C ratio) on long-axis and short-axis segments. ECGs were systematically rated. No significant differences were seen in ventricular volumes, wall mass or E/A ratio, whereas biventricular ejection fraction (EF) was significantly lower in African athletes (European/African athletes LVEF 55/50%, p = 0.02; RVEF 51/48%, p = 0.05). Average NC/C ratio was greater in African athletes but only significantly at mid-ventricular level (European/African athletes: apical 0.91/1.00, p = 0.65; mid-ventricular 0.89/1.45, p < 0.05; basal 0.40/0.46, p = 0.67). ECG readings demonstrated no significant group differences, and no correlation between ECG anomalies and hypertrabeculation. A greater degree of LV hypertrabeculation is seen in healthy African athletes, combined with biventricular EF reduction at rest. Recognition of this phenomenon is necessary to avoid misdiagnosis of LVNC.

Performance assessment in elite football players: field level test versus spiroergometry

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that elite football players with the same anaerobic threshold calculated from the lactate performance curve during a field level test may have substantially different values describing endurance performance capacity determined from spiroergometric laboratory tests. A group of 28 male elite football players underwent a field level test and a spiroergometric laboratory test. A subgroup of players with the same anaerobic threshold was selected, and the endurance performance capacity obtained from spiroergometric measurements during treadmill level tests were compared descriptively within this subgroup. Among the three players with the same anaerobic threshold, test duration for the treadmill level test and consequently also the maximal lactate value achieved during the test varied substantially. The tests were aborted after 5 min at 4.4, 4.8 and 4.0 m·s -1 for players 1, 2 and 3, respectively. VO 2 -values at V4 were 87 %, 75 % and 96 % of their personal VO 2 -peak, respectively. Maximum lactate concentrations were 8.8, 9.2 and 5.3 mmol·L -1 , respectively. Peak relative VO 2 values were 55.0, 61.6 and 59.7 ml·min -1 ·kg -1 , respectively. The result of this study clearly show that conventional field level tests yield insufficient information on underlying physiological and metabolic mechanisms of endurance performance capacity. Taking result of spiroergometric tests into account is critical for designing and evaluating player-specific training programs aimed at optimizing each player’s performance.

Comparison of injuries sustained on artificial turf and grass by male and female elite football players

The objective of this study was to compare incidences and patterns of injury for female and male elite teams when playing football on artificial turf and grass. Twenty teams (15 male, 5 female) playing home matches on third-generation artificial turf were followed prospectively; their injury risk when playing on artificial turf pitches was compared with the risk when playing on grass. Individual exposure, injuries (time loss) and injury severity were recorded by the team medical staff. In total, 2105 injuries were recorded during 246,000 h of exposure to football. Seventy-one percent of the injuries were traumatic and 29% overuse injuries. There were no significant differences in the nature of overuse injuries recorded on artificial turf and grass for either men or women. The incidence (injuries/1000 player-hours) of acute (traumatic) injuries did not differ significantly between artificial turf and grass, for men (match 22.4 v 21.7; RR 1.0 (95% CI 0.9-1.2); training 3.5 v 3.5; RR 1.0 (0.8-1.2)) or women [match 14.9 v 12.5; RR 1.2 (0.8-1.8); training 2.9 v 2.8; RR 1.0 (0.6-1.7)]. During matches, men were less likely to sustain a quadriceps strain (P=0.031) and more likely to sustain an ankle sprain (P=0.040) on artificial turf.

The bioelectrical impedance analysis with newly predictive equations for measuring segments body composition of elite male football players in Taiwan

To establish the appropriate predictive equations of body segments by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in Taiwan elite male football players, 26 disciplined players at first grade in collegiate league have been recruited in this study. The measurement data by our newly developed predictive equation was compared with Tanita BC-418 to confirm the greater performance in prediction of body composition in our equation. The actual analyzed data of segments body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was taken as reference one. Both of the correlation coefficients of whole body fat free mass (FFM) measured by DXA between BC-418 as well as that of our newly developed predictive equation were over 0.95. However, the correlation coefficients of upper limb, lower limb and truck FFM measured by predictive equation highly correlated to that of the reference DXA were 0.75, 0.76 and 0.89, respectively. They all were better than that of BC-418 measurement. In summary, the greater performance in prediction of segments body composition in our developed predictive equation by BIA measurement has shown the possibility of application for monitoring athlete body composition especially the limb and trunk. Key words: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, fat free mass, body composition.

Indicators for high physical strain and overload in elite football players

Laboratory, psychological and performance parameters as possible indicators of physical strain and overload during highly demanding competition phases were evaluated in elite male football players. In two studies with the same objective, periods of high (HE: >270 min during 3 weeks before testing) and low (LE: <270 min) match exposure were compared over the course of an entire season. In study 1 (n=88 players of the first and second German leagues; age: 25.6 ± 4.3 years; body mass index (BMI): 23.2 ± 1.0 kg/m(2) ), blood count, CK, urea, uric acid, CRP and ferritin were determined. In study 2, 19 players of the third German league and the highest under-19 league (age: 19.7 ± 2.8 years; BMI: 22.8 ± 1.7 kg/m(2) ) were screened for individual vertical jump height, maximal velocity and by the Recovery-Stress-Questionnaire for Athletes (REST-Q Sport). The mean differences in exposure times were 180 min (study 1: quartiles: 105, 270 min) and 247 min (study 2: 180, 347 min), respectively. Significant differences were found neither in blood parameters (study 1; P>0.36) nor in physiological testing results or in REST-Q scores (study 2; P>0.20). A 3-week period of high match exposure in elite football players does not affect laboratory, psychometric and performance parameters.

Cardiovascular pre-participation screening does not distress professional football players

It has been debated whether cardiovascular screening of athletes creates negative psychological reactions in those being screened. Neither the athletes' level of distress towards, nor their opinion about screening has actually been examined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the level of distress among Norwegian elite male football players and their experiences of screening. After screening, players completed a 10-item scale assessing their experience on a Likert scale. Their level of distress was measured with the intrusion sub-scale of Impact of Event Scale (IES) (7 items) on a six-point scale (grade 0-5). A sum score of ≥19 indicates a clinical stress problem. Twenty-five out of 28 teams, 441 of 591 players (75%, mean age 26 [18-39] years) consented to participate. Sixty-four percent felt more confident when playing football and 88% were satisfied having completed the screening. The majority (77%) felt a need for the screening and 84% would strongly recommend it to others. Sixteen percent were afraid that the screening result might have consequences for their own health, and 13% were afraid of losing their license to play football. Less than 3% experienced distress (IES ≥ 19). The majority of the players were satisfied having completed the screening, felt more confident and would recommend it to other players. Only a marginal proportion of the players were distressed by the screening, but were at least as likely to recommend it.

Types of hamstring injuries in sports

Lecture 15OccurrenceHamstring strain is the most common single injury in elite soccer. To prevent these injuries and to optimise the rehabilitation it is important to analyse in what situations they...

Stress fractures in elite male football players

The objective was to investigate the incidence, type and distribution of stress fractures in professional male football players. Fifty-four football teams, comprising 2379 players, were followed prospectively for 189 team seasons during the years 2001-2009. Team medical staff recorded individual player exposure and time-loss injuries. The first team squads of 24 clubs selected by UEFA as belonging to the 50 best European teams, 15 teams of the Swedish Super League and 15 teams playing their home matches on artificial turf pitches were included. In total, 51 stress fractures occurred during 1,180,000 h of exposure, giving an injury incidence of 0.04 injuries/1000 h. A team of 25 players can therefore expect one stress fracture every third season. All fractures affected the lower extremities and 78% the fifth metatarsal bone. Stress fractures to the fifth metatarsal bone, tibia or pelvis caused absences of 3-5 months. Twenty-nine percent of the stress fractures were re-injuries. Players that sustained stress fractures were significantly younger than those that did not. Stress fractures are rare in men's professional football but cause long absences. Younger age and intensive pre-season training appear to be risk factors.

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.

Fluid and electrolyte balance in elite male football (soccer) players training in a cool environment

There are few data in the published literature on sweat loss and drinking behaviour in athletes training in a cool environment. Sweat loss and fluid intake were measured in 17 first-team members of an elite soccer team training for 90 min in a cool (5°C, 81% relative humidity) environment. Sweat loss was assessed from the change in body mass after correction for the volume of fluid consumed. Sweat electrolyte content was measured from absorbent patches applied at four skin sites. Mean ( ± s) sweat loss during training was 1.69 ± 0.45 l (range 1.06 - 2.65 l). Mean fluid intake during training was 423 ± 215 ml (44 - 951 ml). There was no apparent relationship between the amount of sweat lost and the volume of fluid consumed during training (r 2 = 0.013, P = 0.665). Mean sweat sodium concentration was 42.5 ± 13.0 mmol · l−1 and mean sweat potassium concentration was 4.2 ± 1.0 mmol · l−1. Total salt (NaCl) loss during training was 4.3 ± 1.8 g. The sweat loss data are similar to those recorded in elite players undergoing a similar training session in warm environments, but the volume of fluid ingested is less.