Elite Female Football Players Research Articles

Physical preparation and return to performance of an elite female football player following ACL reconstruction: a journey to the FIFA Women’s World Cup

ACL injuries are among the most severe knee injuries in elite sport, with a high injury burden and re-injury risk. Despite extensive literature on the injury and the higher incidence...

Neurocognitive performance and mental health of retired female football players compared to non-contact sport athletes

BackgroundAdverse long-term effects of playing football due to repetitive head impact exposure on neurocognition and mental health are controversial. To date, no studies have evaluated such effects in women.AimsTo (1)...

Relationship between agility, linear sprinting, and vertical jumping performance in Slovenian elite women football players

PurposeThe general goal of the study was to investigate the relationship between agility t-test (change of direction speed ability, CODS), 20-m sprint test (S20m) (linear speed ability), and countermovement jump (CMJ) test (lower limb explosive power ability).MethodsThe sample involved 18 elite female football athletes (age: 18.56 ± 2.24 years, height: 169.47 ± 6.48 cm, weight: 63.52 ± 6.85 kg). Pearson correlation coefficients were applied. Multiple linear regression served to explain the relationship between the dependent variable (CODS) and 2 independent variables (S20m and CMJ).ResultsPearson correlation analysis indicated a moderate relationship between CMJ and CODS performance (<i>r</i> = –0.59, <i>p</i> = 0.01) and a very strong significant relationship between S20m and CODS performance (<i>r</i> = 0.80, <i>p</i> = 0.00). The results of multiple linear regression proved that both independent variables (S20m and CMJ) explained about 60.0% (adjusted R2) of the total model variance in relation to the dependent variable (CODS), whereas only S20m significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.05) explained CODS ability.ConclusionsThe study highlighted the impact of explosive power of lower limbs (CMJ) and linear speed capability (S20m) on agility performance (CODS) in our sample. It suggests that the results of agility, linear sprint, and jumping performance seem to have similar determining factors. It is worthwhile to consider these findings in the training process of female elite football players in order to focus on essential training elements of physical fitness.

I spy with my little eye … a knee about to go ‘pop’? Can coaches and sports medicine professionals predict who is at greater risk of ACL rupture?

BackgroundThe vertical drop jump (VDJ) test is widely used for clinical assessment of ACL injury risk, but it is not clear whether such assessments are valid.AimTo examine if sports medicine...

Musculoskeletal screening assessments in elite female Australian Football players

Musculoskeletal screening assessments in elite female Australian Football players

Low back pain and lumbopelvic muscles in elite female Australian football players: an exploratory study

Introduction: Low back pain is a common problem in male Australian football players which may have negative consequences on performance and is associated with increased odds of lower limb injury. Whilst deficits in trunk and hip muscle function associated with low back pain have been demonstrated in elite male Australian football and soccer players, little is known about this relationship in female Australian football players. This exploratory study aimed to examine the size and function of trunk and hip muscles in elite female AFL players with and without low back pain.

Lower limb musculoskeletal screening in elite female Australian football players

ObjectiveTo report physical characteristics of lower-limb strength, endurance, range of motion, balance, and pain during adductor squeeze in elite female Australian Football (AF) players, and to examine the effect of limb dominance, previous AF experience, age, and previous level of sports participation on these characteristics. DesignCross-sectional study. SettingThree elite AF clubs. ParticipantsEighty-five female players. All were aged ≥18, contracted for the 2018 season, and participated in pre-season training. Main outcome measuresThe physical characteristic assessments included; pain on adductor squeeze, weight-bearing lunge, side bridge, isometric hip abduction and adduction strength, and the modified star excursion balance test. ResultsThe adductor squeeze had low pain scores, with 93% of players scoring ≤2 on the numerical rating scale. Other assessment results were (mean ± SD): 10.8 ± 2.7 cm for weight-bearing lunge, 95 ± 39s for side bridge, 1.85 ± 0.23 and 1.85 ± 0.36Nm/kg for hip abduction and adduction strength respectively, and 92 ± 8% for the modified star excursion balance test. There was no clinically relevant effect of limb dominance, previous AF experience, age, or previous level of sports on physical characteristics. ConclusionsPhysical characteristics for five assessments are reported. These data can be used for comparison purposes in the screening and clinical management of elite female AF players.

Eccentric knee flexor weakness in elite female footballers 1–10 years following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

ObjectivesTo determine eccentric knee flexor strength in elite female Australian Rules Football (ARF) players with and without a history of unilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using an ipsilateral semitendinosus graft. DesignCase-control. SettingElite ARF Women's competition. ParticipantsEighty-four elite female ARF players (mean age, 25 ± 4.9 years; height, 1.71 ± 0.73 m; weight, 67 kg ± 7.4 kg) with (n = 12) and without (n = 72) a history of unilateral ACLR in the previous 10 years. Main outcome measuresPeak eccentric knee flexor force during the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE). ResultsPlayers with a history of unilateral ACLR displayed lower levels of eccentric knee flexor strength in their surgically reconstructed limb than their uninjured contralateral limb (mean difference −53.77 N, 95% CI = −85.06 to −24.27, d = −0.51) and compared to the limbs of players with no history of injury (mean difference = −46.32 N, 95% CI = −86.65 to −11.13, d = −0.73). ConclusionElite female ARF players with a history of unilateral ACLR display deficits in eccentric knee flexor strength in their surgically reconstructed limb for up to 10 years following surgery.

Psychosocial stress factors, including the relationship with the coach, and their influence on acute and overuse injury risk in elite female football players

BackgroundThe relationship between specific types of stressors (eg, teammates, coach) and acute versus overuse injuries is not well understood.ObjectiveTo examine the roles of different types of stressors as well as...

Nutrition Status of Young Elite Female German Football Players.

To investigate energy intake, energy expenditure, and the nutritional status of young female elite football players using 7-day food and activity records and blood parameters. A total of 56 female elite football players [14.8 (0.7) y] completed the requested food and activity protocols. Misreporting was assessed by the ratio of energy intake to energy expenditure. The food records were analyzed concerning energy and macronutrient and micronutrient intakes, and energy expenditure was calculated using predictive equations. Hematological data and 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum concentrations were determined. Mean energy intake was 2262 (368) kcal/d [40.5 (7.0) kcal/kg/d] and estimated EE averaged 2403 (195) kcal/d. Fifty-three percent of the players exhibited an energy availability <30kcal/kg lean body mass; 31% of the athletes consumed <5g/kg carbohydrates and 34% consumed <1.2g/kg proteins. A large proportion of players (%) had intakes below the recommended daily allowance of folate (75%), vitamin D (100%), iron (69%), and calcium (59%). Ferritin and 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels were below the recommendations of 59% and 38%, respectively. A remarkable number of players failed to meet the energy balance and the recommended carbohydrate and protein intakes. Low iron and 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels were observed showing a suboptimal nutrition status of some young female football players. As a consequence, strategies have to be developed for a better information and application of sport nutrition practice among young female football players.

Prevalence of non-functional overreaching in elite male and female youth academy football players

ABSTRACTPurpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of non-functional overreaching (NFOR) and overtraining (OT) in elite male and female youth football players.Methods: Two-hundred and forty-two youth football players (n = 138 boys and n = 104 girls) aged between 12 and 17 years completed a questionnaire to identify the occurrence of NFOR/OT and associated symptoms.Results: No players experienced OT. Significant sex differences for NFOR were found between girls 9% compared to boys 27% (P < 0.05). For players that experienced NFOR, 33% of girls and 60% of boys experienced multiple bouts. Compared to girls, boys completed higher volumes of football training (16.3 ± 4.5 versus 12.7 ± 5.7 h per week, P < 0.05), but training load was not a significant predictor of NFOR for either sex. In both sexes, NFOR was associated with tiredness, a lack of appetite, sore or heavy muscles, feeling in a bad mood, and feeling apathetic.Conclusion: Male and female elite youth football players engaged in high training volumes and experienced similar NFOR symptoms. However, there is a much higher prevalence of NFOR in boys and in those who have suffered previous bouts of NFOR.

Inter-rater reliability, internal consistency and common technique flaws of the Tuck Jump Assessment in elite female football players

ABSTRACTThe Tuck Jump Assessment (TJA) is commonly used in football to assess jump landing technique. The aims of this study were to determine inter-rater agreement and internal consistency of the TJA and to identify commonly occurring technique flaws. Sixty elite female football players (mean (±SD): age = 20.27 ± 3.44 years) were video recorded whilst undertaking the TJA and independently assessed by 4 raters. Clinically acceptable levels of agreement were reached for “lower extremity valgus at landing” k = 0.83 (95% CI, 0.72–0.93); “thighs do not reach parallel” k = 0.84 (95% CI, 0.74–0.94); “thighs not equal side to side”k = 0.86 (95% CI, 0.75– 0.96). The level of agreement for the composite score of all 10 criteria ranged from kw = 0.62 (95% CI, 0.48–0.76) to Kw = 0.80 (95% CI, 0.70–0.90) suggesting a “fair-to-very good” level of inter-rater agreement. The most common technique flaws were found for criterion 2 “thighs do not reach parallel” 20 (N = 147/665) and criterion 1 “knee valgus on landing” (N = 80/665). Internal consistency results suggest that the TJA is not unidimensional. We suggest “knee valgus on landing” may have clinical utility although further research is needed.

Health problems in former elite female football players: Prevalence and risk factors.

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of health problems and associated risk factors in former elite female football players. A cross-sectional research design was employed, using an online questionnaire on personal characteristics and health complaints during/after the career. One hundred fifty-two (response rate: 62.0%) former first German league players answered the survey. Around 70% described their current health as good or very good. Over half (57.9%) reported knee problems during the last 4weeks while exercising and a third (33.6%) during normal daily activities. The second most common location for complaints was the head (53.3%). Almost one quarter (23.7%) of players suffered from osteoarthritis (OA). Regression analysis showed that OA in knee/ankle and physical complaints (PC) in knee/ankle/head were significantly predicted by number and severity of previous injuries (P<0.05). Further, increases in age, training volume, and level of play were associated with an increased likelihood of presenting with OA (P<0.05), but not PC. In conclusion, a football career may lead to specific long-term health problems in elite female players. Prevention strategies should focus on knee, ankle, and head injuries. Future studies are needed to clinically assess the prevalence rates of OA and possible neurocognitive changes.

Extra-articular tenodesis combined with an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in acute anterior cruciate ligament tear in elite female football players.

The growing popularity of elite soccer among female participants has led to increased incidents of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures. Many authors underline a positive glide after ACL reconstruction (ACLR), especially in women. In fact, an isolated intra-articular ACLR may be inadequate to control rotational instability after a combined injury of the ACL and the peripheral structures of the knee. Extra-articular procedures are sometimes used in primary cases displaying excessive antero-lateral rotatory instability. The purpose of this case series was to report subjective and objective outcomes after combined ACL and lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) with a minimum 4-year follow-up in a selected high-risk population of elite female football players. Between January 2007 and December 2010, 16 elite Italian female football players were included in the study. All patients underwent the same surgical technique: anatomical ACLR with autogenous semitendinosus and gracilis tendons. After the intra-articular reconstruction was performed, an additional extra-articular MacIntosh modified Coker-Arnold procedure was carried out. Patients were assessed pre- and post-operatively with the subjective and objective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) evaluation form, Tegner activity scale (TAS) and Lysholm score. Joint laxity was assessed with KT-1000 by measuring the side-to-side (S/S) differences in displacement at manual maximum (mm) testing. At a mean follow-up of 72.6 ± 8.1months, two independent examiners reviewed all players. All of the patients had a fully recovered range of motion. Lachman test was negative in all patients (100%). The evaluation of joint laxity and clinical evaluation showed a statistically significant improvement. No patients experienced complication or a re-rupture. The rationale of combining extra-articular procedures with ACLR is to restrict the internal rotation of the reconstructed knee, taking advantage of its long lever arm and thus providing more stability in the rotational axis and preventing the ACL graft from undergoing further excessive strain. The combination of an LET with ACLR in elite female football players demonstrated excellent results in terms of subjective scales, post-operative residual laxity and re-rupture rate with no complication, and a complete return to sport activity.

Rehabilitation after first-time anterior cruciate ligament injury and reconstruction in female football players: a study of resilience factors.

BackgroundMost of the research in the area of psychosocial factors in rehabilitation after sports injuries has focused on risk behaviors, while relatively few studies have focused on behaviors that facilitate rehabilitation. The objective of our study was to understand the psychosocial features that characterize elite female football players who express a resilient behaviour during rehabilitation after a first-time anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and reconstruction.MethodsA qualitative method was used based on individual in-person interviews and video communication of players who incurred a first-time ACL tear during the 2012 season of the Swedish Women’s Elite Football League. In total, 13 players had a first-time ACL and were interviewed post-season. The interviews were followed by a thematic content analysis. Based on this, eight players were identified as showing resilient behaviors during their rehabilitation and were included in the final analysis.ResultsThree core themes representing psychosocial factors that help players cope successfully with rehabilitation were identified: (I) constructive communication and rich interaction with significant others; (II) strong belief in the importance and efficacy of one’s own actions; and (III) the ability to set reasonable goals.ConclusionsThe findings suggest three core themes of psychosocial factors that characterize first-time ACL-injured elite female football players showing resilience during rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction. Suggestions for medical teams about ways to support communication, self-efficacy, and goal-setting during the rehabilitation process, are provided.

The effect of overhead target on the lower limb biomechanics during a vertical drop jump test in elite female athletes.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of an overhead target on the jump height and lower limb biomechanics in all three planes of motion in a vertical drop jump (VDJ) task among elite female handball and football (soccer) players. The hypothesis was that adding an overhead target to the VDJ task improves jump height, increases joint loading, and decreases frontal plane knee control. Five hundred and twenty-three female handball and football players (mean±SD: 21±4years, 168±6cm, 65±8kg) completed the test. The overhead target increased jumping height by 5.8%. Furthermore, the overhead target led to statistically significant changes in many of the lower limb biomechanical variables examined. However, all the changes in kinematics and kinetics were clinically insignificant, as indicated by the small effect sizes. Strong to moderate positive Spearman's rank correlations were found between the two conditions. Therefore, an overhead target is unlikely to increase the range of responses in biomechanical variables in elite female handball and football athletes.

The Effect of Thigh Marker Placement on Knee Valgus Angles in Vertical Drop Jumps and Sidestep Cutting.

Knee valgus angles measured in sidestep cutting and vertical drop jumps are key variables in research on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury causation. These variables are also used to quantify knee neuromuscular control and ACL injury risk. The aims of the current study were to (1) quantify the differences in the calculated knee valgus angles between 6 different thigh marker clusters, (2) investigate the trial ranking based on their knee valgus angles, and (3) investigate the influence of marker clusters on the cross-talk effect. Elite female handball and football players (n = 41) performed sidestep cutting and vertical drop jumping motions. We found systematic differences up to almost 15° of peak valgus between the marker sets in the drop jump test. The Spearman's rank correlation coefficient varied from .505 to .974 among the 6 marker sets. In addition, the cross-talk effect varied considerably between the marker clusters. The results of the current study indicate that the choice of thigh marker cluster can have a substantial impact on the magnitude of knee valgus angle, as well as the trial ranking. A standardized thigh marker cluster, including nonanatomical landmark, is needed to minimize the variation of the measurement.

A team fares well with a fair coach: Predictors of social loafing in interactive female sport teams.

The present research aimed to develop and test a theoretical model that links players' perceived justice of the coach to a more optimal motivational climate, which in turn increases players' team identification and cohesion, and results in lower levels of social loafing in female sport teams. Belgian elite female basketball, volleyball, and football players (study 1; N = 259; M(age) = 22.6) and Norwegian world-class female handball players (study 2; N = 110; M(age) = 22.8) completed questionnaires assessing players' perceived justice (distributive and procedural), motivational climate, team identification, team cohesion (task and social), and social loafing (perceived and self-reported). In both studies, confirmatory and exploratory path analyses indicated that perceived justice was positively related to a mastery climate (P < 0.05) and negatively to a performance climate (P < 0.05). In turn, a mastery climate was linked to increased levels of team identification (P < 0.05) and task cohesion (P < 0.05). Consequently, players' perceived and self-reported social loafing decreased (P < 0.05). The findings of both independent studies demonstrated the impact of coaches' fairness, and consequently, the motivational climate created by the coach on the optimal functioning of female sport teams.

Physiotherapists can identify female football players with high knee valgus angles during vertical drop jumps using real-time observational screening.

Clinical measurement, controlled laboratory study. To assess the relationships among real-time observational screening of frontal plane knee control and knee valgus angles and abduction moments calculated from 3-D motion analysis during a vertical drop jump. A secondary purpose was to investigate interrater agreement for 3 independent physiotherapists. Current approaches to screen for anterior cruciate ligament injury risk are based on complex biomechanical analyses or 2-dimensional video reviews. There is a need for simple and efficient, low-cost screening methods. Sixty Norwegian elite female football (soccer) players performed a vertical drop-jump task. Using real-time observational screening, 3 physiotherapists independently scored each participant's frontal plane knee control as good, reduced, or poor, based on specific criteria. Screening test scores were correlated to frontal plane knee kinematics and kinetics using 3-D motion analysis. Interrater agreement was determined using kappa correlation coefficients. Knee valgus angles differed significantly among players rated as having poor, reduced, or good knee control (10.3° ± 3.4°, 5.4° ± 4.1°, and 1.9° ± 4.3°, respectively). The correlation between the observation test scores and valgus angles was moderate for all raters (0.54-0.60, P≤.001), but the observation scores correlated poorly with abduction moments (0.09-0.11, P>.05). The highest discriminative accuracy was found for knee valgus angles across all raters (area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve, 0.85-0.89). The interrater agreement between the physiotherapists was substantial to almost perfect, with percentage agreement and kappa coefficients ranging from 70% to 95% and 0.52 to 0.92, respectively. Physiotherapists can reliably identify female athletes with high knee valgus angles in a vertical drop-jump landing using real-time observational screening.

RISK FACTORS FOR LOWER EXTREMITY INJURIES IN ELITE FEMALE FOOTBALL PLAYERS

BackgroundThe incidence of lower extremity injuries in female football players is high, but their risk factors are poorly understood.ObjectiveTo investigate risk factors for lower extremity injuries in elite female football...