Injuries In Professional Soccer Players Research Articles

The Influence of Injury History on Countermovement Jump Performance and Movement Strategy in Professional Soccer Players: Implications for Profiling and Rehabilitation Foci.

Professional soccer players who have sustained a lower limb injury are up to 3× more likely to suffer a reinjury, often of increased severity. Previous injury has been shown to induce compensatory strategies during neuromuscular screening tests, which might mask deficits and lead to misinterpretation of readiness to play based on task outcome measures. To investigate the influence of previous injury in professional soccer players on countermovement jump (CMJ) performance and movement strategy. Cross-sectional. Professional soccer club competing in the English Championship (tier 2). Patients (or Other Participants): Outfield players with a minimum of 6 years as a professional. Players were categorized as previously injured (n = 10) or not injured (n = 10). All players completed double- and single-leg CMJ trials. CMJ performance was quantified as jump height and flight time:contraction time ratio. CMJ movement strategy was quantified as force-time history, differentiating eccentric and concentric phases and CMJ depth. Double-leg CMJ was not sensitive to previous injury in performance or movement strategy. In contrast, single-leg CMJ performance was impaired in players with previous injury, who generated significantly lower eccentric and concentric peak force and rate of force development, and a deeper countermovement. Impaired single-leg CMJ performance was also evident in the nonaffected limb of previously injured players, suggesting cross-contamination. Hierarchical ordering revealed that the eccentric phase of the CMJ contributed little to performance in previously injured players. In noninjured players, the eccentric rate of force development and concentric peak force were able to account for up to 89% of the variation in CMJ performance. Single-leg CMJ is advocated for player profiling, being more sensitive to previous injury, and negating the opportunity for interlimb compensation strategies. Movement strategy deficits in previously injured players suggest rehabilitation foci specific to eccentric force development.

Alpha-Actinin-3 Deficiency Might Affect Recovery from Non-Contact Muscle Injuries: Preliminary Findings in a Top-Level Soccer Team.

There are recent data suggesting an association between the R577X polymorphism (rs1815739) in the gene encoding α-actinin-3 (ACTN3) and the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. The purpose of this study was to analyze the association of rs1815739 with risk of, and recovery time from non-contact soft-tissue muscle injuries in professional soccer players. Forty-six (22 male and 24 female) players from a top-level professional soccer team were assessed during five consecutive seasons: the genotype distribution was: RR, 41.3%; RX, 47.8%; and XX, 10.9%. There was a trend towards a higher risk of muscle injury associated with the XX genotype (p = 0.092, with no injury-free XX player during the 5-year study period) and a significant genotype effect for the time needed to return to play (p = 0.044, with the highest value shown for the XX genotype, i.e., 36 ± 26 days, vs. 20 ± 10 and 17 ± 12 days for RR and RX, respectively). In conclusion, the XX genotype might be associated not only with a higher risk of non-contact muscle injuries, but also of recovery time from these conditions. However, more research in larger cohorts is needed to confirm this preliminary hypothesis.

프로축구 선수들의 2011년-2019년까지 부상현황 분석

프로축구 선수들의 2011년-2019년까지 부상현황 분석

The Association of Visual Impairments of Elite Soccer Players with Concussion and Sports Injuries: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: Visual skills play a pivotal role in athletic performance. However, in a professional setting, visual assessment is limited to a brief examination of visual acuity by the Snellen chart. This is while visual skills in sport comprise several other components. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the potential relationship between visual skills and sports injuries in professional soccer players. Methods: Through a prospective cohort study between September 2017 and October 2018, professional soccer league players were recruited for a complete eye examination including visual acuity, field of vision, and color discrimination as pre-competition examination. Any possible relationship between an abnormal eye finding and sports injury during the upcoming season was investigated. Results: A total of 386 male soccer players in 4 different playing positions were recruited from 16 league teams. Myopia, visual field defects, and green/blue/red color blindness were the most common visual impairments. Overall, there was no significant relationship between abnormal visual skills and the incidence of low back and upper extremity injuries among soccer players. However, a logistic regression model showed that the odds of quadriceps injury is 1.92 times higher (P-value: 0.005) for one diopter increase in both eyes' sum of refractive error. There is also an increased risk of concussion in players who have visual field defects (P-value < 0.005). Conclusions: Visual field defects can put soccer players at a higher risk for concussion. Moreover, uncorrected refractive eye errors will increase the incidence of lower limb injuries, mostly quadriceps injuries.

Hand, Wrist, and Forearm Injuries in Male Professional Soccer Players: A Prospective Cohort Study of 558 Team-Seasons From 2001-2002 to 2018-2019.

Background:The literature on upper extremity injuries in professional soccer players is scarce, and further insight into the onset and cause of these injuries as well as potential differences between goalkeepers and outfield players is important.Purpose:To investigate the epidemiology of hand, wrist, and forearm injuries in male professional soccer players between 2001 and 2019.Study Design:Descriptive epidemiology study.Methods:Between the 2001-2002 and 2018-2019 seasons, 120 European male soccer teams were followed prospectively for a varying number of seasons (558 team-seasons in total). Time-loss injuries and player-exposures to training sessions and matches were recorded on an individual basis in 6754 unique players. Injury incidence was reported as the number of injuries per 1000 player-hours, and between-group differences were analyzed using Z statistics and rate ratios (RRs) with 95% CIs. Between-group differences in layoff time were analyzed.Results:In total, 25,462 injuries were recorded, with 238 (0.9%) of these affecting the hand (71.4%; n = 170), wrist (16.8%; n = 40), and forearm (11.8%; n = 28), producing an incidence of 0.065 injuries per 1000 hours. A majority of the injuries were traumatic with an acute onset (98.7%; n = 235). Fractures were the most common injuries recorded (58.8%; n = 140), often involving the metacarpal bones (25.2%; n = 60) and phalanges (10.1%; n = 24). The injury incidence was significantly higher for goalkeepers (115 injuries; 0.265 per 1000 hours) compared with outfield players (123 injuries; 0.038 per 1000 hours) (RR, 7.0 [95% CI, 5.4-9.0]). Goalkeepers also had a significantly longer mean layoff time than outfield players (23 ± 27 vs 15 ± 27 days; P = .016).Conclusion:Injuries to the hand, wrist, and forearm constituted less than 1% of all time-loss injuries in male professional soccer players. Fractures were most common and constituted more than half of all injuries. Goalkeepers had a 7-fold higher incidence and an over 1-week longer mean layoff time compared with outfield players.

Magnetic resonance imaging of midtarsal sprain: Prevalence and impact on the time of return to play in professional soccer players

BackgroundAnkle sprain is a common injury in professional soccer, but to date midtarsal sprain has not been investigated in this context. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of midtarsal sprain by MRI and to assess its impact on the time of return to play in professional soccer players. MethodsWe included 52 professional soccer players who underwent 59 MRI examinations after acute ankle trauma between January 2012 and September 2019. Images were retrospectively reviewed in consensus by two radiologists for assessment of midtarsal sprain and ankle sprain. Ligaments were graded as i) normal, ii) partial tear, or iii) complete tear. Time to return to play (RTP) for each athlete was retrieved from team medical records. A Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn’s pairwise tests were used to calculate differences in RTP time between groups with i) isolated midtarsal sprain, ii) isolated lateral ankle sprain, and iii) combined midtarsal and lateral ankle sprain. ResultsMRI revealed isolated ankle sprain in 24 of 59 MRI examinations (40.6 %). Acute midtarsal ligament injury was present in 15 examinations (25.4 %). Four of the 15 examinations (26.7 %) had isolated midtarsal injuries and eleven of the 15 examinations (73.3 %) had concomitant ankle sprain. RTP time was 39 days (range 9–70 days) for isolated midtarsal sprain. RTP time was significantly higher for athletes with combined ankle and midtarsal sprain (47 days, range 15–74 days) when compared to athletes with isolated ankle sprain (24 days, range 2–59 days) (p = .019). ConclusionOur MRI study reveals that midtarsal sprain is a frequent injury in professional soccer players with ankle sprain. Midtarsal ligament findings on MRI combined with evidence of lateral ankle sprain is associated with a longer time of return to play compared to isolated lateral ligament injuries. Level of evidenceRetrospective study, observational study.

A musculoskeletal modelling approach of the assessment of the risk of hamstring injuries in professional soccer players: a pilot study

ABSTRACT Purpose: Evaluating and minimising the risk of hamstring injury remains complex as it lacks reliable field-testing. Kinematic analysis provides global external insights but fails to apprehend musculoskeletal loading. This study aimed to evaluate the association between hamstring function and prior injury using a novel functional test combined with a musculoskeletal approach. Methods: Twelve professional footballers, distributed in two groups (control or previously injured), performed a reactive functional test to one of four targets from a standing start and performed a knee and plantar extension on target. Joint kinematics served as input data of a musculoskeletal model, and joint angles and hamstring muscle lengths were calculated. Results: Biceps femoris long head (BFlh) was stretched to 150 ± 2% of initial length during the two conditions. Maximal BFlh length and time to stretch were significantly higher in the control group. Discussion: Kinematics and musculoskeletal parameters revealed that participants of the control group had higher maximal hip flexion, pelvis anterior tilt, and hip internal rotation than previously injured players. The combined approach of a hamstring functional test and musculoskeletal modelling gives new preliminary insights on the effect of previous history of hamstring injury on lower limb kinematics and BFlh muscle length.

Relationship Between Spinal-Pelvic Sagittal Balance and Pelvic-Femoral Injuries in Professional Soccer Players.

Background:Pelvic-femoral injuries are a common problem in football (soccer) players. However, the risk factors for these injuries are unclear. Our knowledge of spinal-pelvic sagittal balance has increased considerably over the past few years, notably as a result of new radiographic techniques such the EOS radiographic imaging system.Purpose:To investigate the link between spinal-pelvic sagittal balance on EOS imaging and the incidence of pelvic-femoral injuries.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.Methods:Players in a League 1 professional soccer team were observed for 5 consecutive seasons. All players included in the study underwent EOS radiographic imaging. All acute and microtraumatic injuries to the pelvic-femoral complex were recorded prospectively: hamstrings, psoas, quadriceps, adductors, obturators, and pubic symphysis. We analyzed the relationship between injury incidence and key radiographic parameters involved in pelvic balance.Results:A total of 61 players were included (mean age, 24.5 years; n = 149 injuries; mean pelvic tilt, 9.08° ± 5.6°). A significant link was observed between the incidence of pelvic-femoral injuries and pelvic tilt (P = .02). A significant link was also observed between the incidence of acute pelvic-femoral injuries and pelvic tilt (P = .05). In both cases, a high pelvic tilt was associated with a low incidence of injuries.Conclusion:In professional soccer players, a low pelvic tilt was associated with a high incidence of all pelvic-femoral injuries as well as acute pelvic-femoral injuries. These results could lead to new preventive methods for these musculotendinous injuries through physical therapy.

Workload and Injury in Professional Soccer Players: Role of Injury Tissue Type and Injury Severity.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the influence of workload prior to injury on injury (tissue type and severity) in professional soccer players. Twenty-eight days of retrospective training data prior to non-contact injuries (n=264) were collated from 192 professional soccer players. Each injury tissue type (muscle, tendon and ligament) and severity (days missed) were categorised by medical staff. Training data were recorded using global positioning system (GPS) devices for total distance (TD), high speed distance (HSD,>5.5 m/s-1), and sprint distance (SPR,>7.0 m/s-1). Accumulated 1, 2, 3, 4-weekly loads and acute:chronic workload ratios (ACWR) (coupled, uncoupled and exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) approaches) were calculated. Workload variables and injury tissue type were compared using a one-way ANOVA. The association between workload variables and injury severity were examined using a bivariate correlation. There were no differences in accumulated weekly loads and ACWR calculations between muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries (P>0.05). Correlations between each workload variable and injury severity highlighted no significant associations (P>0.05). The present findings suggest that the ability of accumulated weekly workload or ACWR methods to differentiate between injury type and injury severity are limited using the present variables.

Epidemiology of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in Italian First Division Soccer Players.

The burden of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in professional soccer players is particularly relevant as it represents a potentially career-threatening injury. Our hypotheses were that (1) injury incidence rate would be similar to that reported in the literature, (2) we would identify a uniform distribution of the injuries along the season, and (3) injury incidence rate would be similar in high-ranked and lower ranked teams, based on final placement in the league. Descriptive epidemiological study. Level 4. Professional male soccer players participating in the Serie A championship league in 7 consecutive seasons (2011-2012 to 2017-2018) were screened to identify ACL injuries through the online football archive transfermarkt.com . Exposure in matches and training were calculated. There were 84 ACL injuries found (mean player age, 25.3 ± 4.2 years). Overall, 25% of ACL injuries were reruptures (15%) or contralateral injuries (10%). ACL incidence rate was 0.4215 per 1000 hours of play during Serie A matches, 0.0305 per 1000 hours of training (rate ratio [RR], 13.8; 95% CI, 8.4-22.7; P < 0.0001), and 0.0618 per 1000 hours of total play. Injury distribution had a bimodal peak, with the highest number of events in October and March. Alternatively, training injuries peaked in June and July. A significantly higher incidence rate was found for the teams ranked from 1st to 4th place compared with those ranked 5th to 20th (0.1256 vs 0.0559 per 1000 hours of play; RR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.4-3.6; P = 0.0003). A similar finding was found for injury incidence proportion (3.76% vs 1.64%; P = 0.0003). The overall incidence rate of ACL injuries in Italian Serie A was 0.062 per 1000 hours, with a 14-fold risk in matches compared with training. Relevantly, 25% were second injuries. Most injuries occurred in October and March, and an almost 2-fold incidence rate and incidence proportion were noted in those teams ranked in the first 4 positions of the championship league. Knowing the precise epidemiology of ACL injury in one of the most competitive professional football championship leagues could help delineate fields of research aimed to investigate its risk factors.

Treatment of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Professional Soccer Players by Orthopedic Surgeons.

Objective To describe the treatment provided by specialists for ACL lesions in professional soccer players. Methods A cross-sectional study in which orthopedic surgeons affiliated to soccer teams competing in the Brazilian Soccer Championship answered a questionnaire about the treatment of ACL injuries in professional soccer players. Results The specialists wait between one to four weeks after the ACL injury to perform the surgical treatment. They use a single incision and single-bundle reconstruction, assisted by arthroscopy, femoral tunnel drilling by an accessory medial portal, and quadruple flexor tendon autografts or patellar tendon autografts. After three to four months, the players are allowed to run in a straight line; after four to six months, they begin to practice exercises with the ball without contact with other athletes; and, after six to eight months, they return to play. The main parameter used to determine the return to play is the isokinetic strength test. The specialists estimate that more than 90% of elite soccer players return to playing professionally after an ACL reconstruction, and 60 to 90% return to play at their prior or at a greater level of performance. Conclusion The present article successfully describes the main surgical practices and post-surgery management adopted by specialists in this highly-specific population of patients.

Knee muscle and tendon stiffness in professional soccer players: a shear-wave elastography study.

It is well known that several risk factors such as fatigue, previous injury, muscle strength deficit or imbalance are related to a higher incidence of knee injuries in professional soccer players. Knee muscle and tendon stiffness may be another factor that is related to knee injuries in professional soccer players. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the differences between professional soccer players and healthy sedentary males in terms of the stiffness of patellar tendon (PT), quadriceps tendon (QT), and rectus femoris muscle (RF) and vastus medialis muscle (VM). The study group was comprised of 17 professional male soccer players in age range of 24-37 years. The control group was comprised of 22 healthy sedentary males in an age range of 21-36 years. Shear-Wave Velocity (SWV) measurements of the selected muscles and tendons were performed using an ultrasonography device with a lineal probe. The professional soccer players had lower SWV of PT (P=0.024) and QT (P<0.001) in the dominant leg compared to the control group; however, SWV of PT (P=0.455) and QT (P=0.827) in the non-dominant leg were similar in both groups. SWV of RF was higher in both dominant and non-dominant legs in professional soccer players compared to the control group (P<0.05); however, SWV of VM was similar in both groups (P>0.05). Professional soccer players had lower PT and QT stiffness. On the other hand, they had higher RF stiffness compared to sedentary individuals. Furthermore, VM stiffness was similar in both groups.

Pre-season hip/groin strength and HAGOS scores are associated with subsequent injury in professional soccer players

Introduction: Hip and groin injuries are a significant cause of time lost from training and competition in elite soccer (football). This study aimed to explore the association between pre-season assessments of 1) isometric hip adductor and abductor strength using a novel field-test; and 2) the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) and subsequent hip/groin injury in professional footballers.

Genomic analysis reveals association of specific SNPs with athletic performance and susceptibility to injuries in professional soccer players.

The development of specific and individualized training programs is a possible way to improve athletic performance and minimize injuries in professional athletes. The information regarding the sport's physical demands and the athletes' physical profile have been, so far, considered as exhaustive for the design of effective training programs. However, it is currently emerging that the genetic profile has to be also taken into consideration. By merging medical and genetic data, it is thus possible to identify the athlete's specific attitude to respond to training, diet, and physical stress. In this context, we performed a study in which 30 professional soccer players, subjected to standard sport medical evaluation and practices, were also screened for genetic polymorphism in five key genes (ACTN3, COL5A1, MCT1, VEGF, and HFE). This genetic analysis represents the central point of a multidisciplinary method that can be adopted by elite soccer teams to obtain an improvement in athletic performance and a concomitant reduction of injuries by tailoring training and nutritional programs. The genetic fingerprinting of single athletes led to the identification of two performance-enhancing polymorphisms (ACTN3 18705C>T, VEGF-634C>G) significantly enriched. Moreover, we derived a genetic model based on the gene set analyzed, which was tentatively used to reduce athletes' predisposition to injuries, by dictating a personalized nutrition and training program. The potential usefulness of this approach is concordant with data showing that this team has been classified as the healthiest and least injured team in Europe while covering the highest distance/match with the highest number of high-intensity actions/match.

A musculoskeletal modelling approach of the assessment of the risk of hamstring injuries in professional soccer players: a pilot study

Hamstring injuries are the most common non-contact injuries in football and negatively affect team performance and club finances (Buckthorpe et al. 2019). Despite an abundant literature, the evalua...

Platelet-rich plasma in hamstring muscle injuries in professional soccer players. A pilot study

Platelet-rich plasma in hamstring muscle injuries in professional soccer players. A pilot study

Prediction of hamstring injury in professional soccer players by isokinetic measurements

Prediction of hamstring injury in professional soccer players by isokinetic measurements

Infrared thermography study as a complementary method of screening and prevention of muscle injuries: pilot study

ObjectiveTo evaluate thermography application as a complementary method in preventing muscle injury in professional soccer players. MethodsA longitudinal prospective study with 28 professional soccer players that composed a first division...

Thigh muscles injuries in professional soccer players: a one year longitudinal study

Thigh muscles injuries in professional soccer players: a one year longitudinal study

Operative Treatment of Proximal Rectus Femoris Injuries in Professional Soccer Players: A Series of 19 Cases.

Background:Proximal rectus femoris (PRF) tears are relatively rare injuries among top-level athletes. PRF injuries can be avulsions of both tendon heads (direct and reflected heads) or of a single head, and some have a tendency to progress to recurrent injuries.Purpose:To describe a series of operatively treated PRF ruptures in professional soccer players.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:Nineteen cases of PRF injuries (18 patients, 1 bilateral) in professional soccer players who were treated surgically were retrospectively reviewed. Perioperative findings with return-to-play data were recorded.Results:Of the PRF injuries, 10 total avulsions (both heads) and 9 single-head tears were seen on magnetic resonance imaging and were later confirmed during surgery. All 18 patients returned to their preinjury level of play (mean follow-up, 2.8 years [range, 1-11 years]).Conclusion:The repair of PRF tears in professional soccer players yielded good results and allowed all patients to return to their preinjury level of play.