The burden of muscle injuries in youth football

2018 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  

Background: Muscle injuries affect up to 72% of professional soccer players within one season and there are well reviewed, but muscle injuries in youth soccer players are not widely documented. The aim of this study was to investigate incidence, localization, pathomechanism and point of time of indirect muscle injuries in youth soccer players. Methods: Prospective cohort study. 5 teams (U15, U16, U17, U18 and U21) with 110 young male football players (age 16,8 (14,3–21) years, height 174,5 (146,1–190,0) cm, weight 65,7 (35,5–84,6) kg) were monitored for 12 months. Every muscle injury was documented and monitored on a standardized evaluation score. Results: In total, 53 muscle injuries were registered. On average, a player sustained 0,4 muscle injuries per season. There was only one re-injury (2%). The injury rate was 1,5 injuries per 1000h match- or /training hours, the match injury rate (6,9) being 7,7 times higher than the training injury rate (0,9). Sixty-nine percent were functional muscle injuries. Thirty-seven percent of all muscle injuries affected the hamstrings group and twenty-eight percent the adductors. The most common pathomechanism was overload (28%). Most of the injuries were recorded during the last 15 minutes of a game or a training (39,6%). Conclusion: Muscle injuries are a substantial problem for players and clubs, also in young male football players. This study confirmed previous results showing that the injury rate during games is higher than during trainings and that hamstrings injuries are the most common muscle injuries in soccer. However, a prolonged study period is recommended to gain better statistical values.

Joints ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 04 (01) ◽  
pp. 039-046 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Grassi ◽  
Alberto Quaglia ◽  
Gian Canata ◽  
Stefano Zaffagnini

Muscle injuries are recognized to be among the most frequent injuries occurring in the sporting and athletic population, and they account for more than 30% of all injuries in professional soccer players. Despite their considerable frequency and impact, there is still a lack of uniformity in the categorization, description and grading of muscle injuries.Dozens of systems based on clinical signs, ultrasound imaging (US) appearance or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings have been proposed over the years. Most of them are three-grade systems that take into account pain, ROM limitation, swelling and hematoma, hypoechoic or hyperintense areas on US or MRI, and muscle gap or tendon involvement; however, they still lack evidence-based prognostic value. Recently, new comprehensive classification systems have been proposed, with the aim of developing uniform muscle injury terminology and giving each severity grade prognostic value.The systems that combine detailed MRI and US features with the clinical presentation, such as the Munich Muscle Injury Classification, the ISMuLT classification, and the British Athletic Classification, if used extensively, could improve the diagnosis, prognosis and management of muscle injuries.


Retos ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilson Arroyo Moya

  Se ha comprobado y establecido que alrededor del 66% de los componentes del rendimiento y estado del atleta se explican por los factores hereditarios. Dos de los polimorfismos genéticos mas estudiados con relación al rendimiento deportivo en la ultima década, son el ACTN3 R577X y el ACE I/D. El objetivo de este estudio fue resumir las posibles asociaciones de ambos polimorfismos y el rendimiento en jugadores de fútbol, determinando la combinación alélica y genotípica que más destaca en esta población y, además, observar las relaciones de estos a nivel físico y fisiológico. Para la realización de este estudio se llevaron a cabo dos fases, una primera de revisión bibliográfica y una segunda fase de clasificación y análisis de la información. Los estudios evidencian una mayor influencia de los alelos ACE-D y ACTN-R, y de los genotipos ACE-ID y ACTN-RR. Se observó que los sujetos con estas combinaciones tenían mejores rendimientos es pruebas de velocidad y fuerza. Por otro lado, el polimorfismo ACTN3 está directamente relacionado con las lesiones musculares. En conclusión, se pudo observar una relación entre los polimorfismos genéticos y el rendimiento en jugadores de fútbol. Los componentes genéticos se pueden integrar como un nuevo componente dentro de la caracterización del deporte y como una herramienta dentro de un modelo de identificacción y detección de talentos en el fútbol juvenil. Además, los biomarcadores genéticos podrían ser responsables en un futuro, del estudio del riesgo de lesiones para que se optimice mucho más el rendimiento en el fútbol profesional. Abstract. It has been verified and established that around 66% of the components of the athlete's performance and state are explained by hereditary factors. Two of the most studied genetic polymorphisms in relation to sports performance in the last decade are ACTN3 R577X and ACE I/D. The aim of this study was to summarize the possible associations of both polymorphisms and the performance in soccer players, determining the allelic and genotypic combination that stands out the most in this population and, also, to observe their relationships at the physical and physiological level. In order to complete this study, two phases were carried out, the first one of literature review and, the second one which covered the information classification and analysis. The studies show a greater influence of the ACE-D and ACTN-R alleles, and higher presence of the ACE-ID and ACTN-RR genotypes. Subjects with these combinations were found to perform better on speed and strength tests. On the other hand, the ACTN3 polymorphism is directly related to muscle injuries. In conclusion, a relationship between genetic polymorphisms and performance in soccer players could be observed. Genetic components can be integrated as a new component within the characterization of sport and as a tool within a model of identification and detection of talents in youth soccer. In addition, genetic biomarkers could be responsible, in the future, for the study of the risk of injury so that performance in professional soccer is much more optimized.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 1610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier Raya-González ◽  
Mark de Ste Croix ◽  
Paul Read ◽  
Daniel Castillo

The aims of this study were to analyze the muscle injury incidence in an elite Spanish soccer academy during three consecutive seasons attending to different chronological age groups (i.e., U14, U16, U19 and senior) and to examine the hamstring injury incidence in this elite soccer academy. Elite male youth soccer players (227) participated in this study. A total of 207 time-loss injuries (i.e., injuries that involve at least one absence day) were observed during this study period. The overall incidence rate of muscle injury was 1.74 muscle injuries/1000 h. In addition, higher muscle injury incidence was observed during match play in comparison to training sessions (6.78 vs. 3.20 muscle injuries/1000 h, p < 0.05). The oldest age group presented the highest injury rate (2.73 muscle injuries/1000 h, p < 0.05), with the burden (i.e., number of absence days per 1000 h of exposure) peak values recorded in the U16 age group (26.45 absence days/1000 h). In addition, muscle tears accounted for the greatest percentage of muscle injuries (43.5%), and the most frequent anatomical site of injury was the hamstring (30.4%). Muscle tear was the most common type of hamstring injury (49.2%), with the biceps femoris the most commonly injured muscle of the hamstring complex (39.7%). Fullbacks (FB), wide midfielders (WM) and forwards (F) suffered a greater number of hamstring injuries. Hamstring injury incidence showed a seasonal variation, as indicated by peaks in August and October. Specifically, the highest injury incidence was observed in the final part of each period during match play. These results reinforce the necessity to implement individual preventive strategies according to each specific injury profile across the youth soccer development phase.


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e000431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Carolina Côrte ◽  
André Pedrinelli ◽  
Antonio Marttos ◽  
Ivan Furlan Grava Souza ◽  
Joaquim Grava ◽  
...  

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 of Brazilian’s soccer team between 2015 and 2016. In both seasons (2015 and 2016), muscle injuries were documented and classified in grade of severity, by ultrasound. During the following season (2016), infrared medical thermography was applied twice a week (48 hours after game) and if a difference of temperature was detected higher than 0.4°C, a prevention protocol was initiated. Muscle injuries in 2016 were documented.ResultsIn 2015, the total number of muscle injuries was 11. In 2016, the total number of muscle injuries was 4 (p=0.04). It represents an incidence/player of 78% in 2015 and 28% in 2016, corresponding to a decrease of 64% in 2016. Seven players played in the first team in both seasons. Among these seven players, muscle injuries were reduced from 8 (in 2015) to 3 (in 2016)—a decrease of 63% in the season we used thermographic monitoring (p=0.06).ConclusionThe pilot data provide a promising catalyst for a rigorous RCT that could examine whether thermography can contribute to a muscle injury prevention programme.


2003 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik Witvrouw ◽  
Lieven Danneels ◽  
Peter Asselman ◽  
Thomas D'Have ◽  
Dirk Cambier

Background Muscular tightness is frequently postulated as an intrinsic risk factor for the development of a muscle injury. However, very little prospective data exist to prove this. Hypothesis Increased muscle tightness identifies a soccer player at risk for a subsequent musculoskeletal lesion. Study Design Prospective cohort study. Methods We examined 146 male professional soccer players before the 1999–2000 Belgian soccer competition. None of the players had a history of muscle injury in the lower extremities in the previous 2 years. The flexibility of the hamstring, quadriceps, adductor, and calf muscles of these players was measured goniometrically before the start of the season. All of the examined players were monitored throughout the season to register subsequent injuries. Results Players with a hamstring (N = 31) or quadriceps (N = 13) muscle injury were found to have significantly lower flexibility in these muscles before their injury compared with the uninjured group. No significant differences in muscle flexibility were found between players who sustained an adductor muscle injury (N = 13) or a calf muscle injury (N = 10) and the uninjured group. Conclusions These results indicate that soccer players with an increased tightness of the hamstring or quadriceps muscles have a statistically higher risk for a subsequent musculoskeletal lesion. Clinical Significance Preseason hamstring and quadriceps muscle flexibility testing can identify male soccer players at risk of developing hamstring and quadriceps muscle injuries.


2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 801-807 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier Raya-González ◽  
Luis Suárez-Arrones ◽  
Archit Navandar ◽  
Carlos Balsalobre-Fernández ◽  
Eduardo Sáez de Villarreal

Context: As the number of injuries in young soccer players increases, an epidemiological study is the first step in improving preventive strategies. Objectives: To analyze the injury profile of a Spanish professional soccer club’s academy during 4 consecutive seasons and to examine the injury incidence across different chronological age groups. Design: Prospective cohort design. Setting: Aggregate injury and exposure data collected during 4 consecutive seasons. Participants: Three hundred nine elite male young soccer players. Main Outcomes Measures: Injuries that led to participation time missed from training and match play prospectively reported by medical or coaching staff of the club. Results: A total of 464 time-loss injuries were observed during this study period. The overall injury incidence was 2.93 injuries per 1000 hours, with higher incidence during matches than during training (10.16 vs 2.10 injuries/1000 h; rate ratio [RR] = 0.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17–0.25; P < .05), with the U14 age group presenting the lowest injury rate (2.39 injuries/1000 h; RR = 1.15–1.57; P < .05). In terms of injury severity, moderate injuries were the most frequent (1.42 injuries/1000 h). Muscle injuries were the most common type of injuries (57.7%; 2.75 injuries/1000 h; RR = 1.84–13.4; P < .05), and hamstrings (93/268) were the most affected muscle group (0.58 injuries/1000 h; RR = 1.58–2.91; P < .05). Injury incidence showed a seasonal variation as indicated by peaks in August and October. In matches, specifically, the match period between 75 and 90 minutes showed the highest injury incidence (10.29 injuries/1000 h; RR = 1.89–6.38; P < .01). Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that specific preventive strategies must be implemented to try to reduce the injury incidence in Spanish elite young soccer players attending to the characteristics of each age group.


2018 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  

Background: Muscle injuries are the most common injury in soccer and account for almost 30 percent of all time-loss injuries. The aim of this study was to investigate the muscle length as a risk factor to sustain a muscle injury and to grade and monitore muscle injuries during the rehabilitation. Methods: 110 young male football players of 5 soccer teams (U15, U16, U17, U18 and U21) with (age 16,8 (14,3–21) years, height 174,5 (146,1–190,0) cm, weight 65,7 (35,5–84,6) kg) were monitored for 12 months in a prospective cohort study. Initially, muscle length in all players were measured. Every muscle injury was documented and monitored in a standardized protocol and graded clinically based on the Muscle-­Injury-Score. Results: 53 muscle injuries accounted for a total of 949 missed trainings and 179 missed matches, averaging in missing 18 trainings and 3,4 matches per injury. In 191 trainings (88,4%) and in 36 matches (81,9%) one player per team was missing because of a muscle injury. Injuries of the rectus femoris muscle were leading to the longest time-loss (39,3 days). There was no statistical significance in muscle length between the injured and the not injured players. The Muscle-Injury-Score correlated clinically relevant and statistically significant with the severity of the injury (r2=0,54, p<0,001). Per point in the Muscle-Injury Score, the rehabilitation of a muscle injury took 5,8 days. Conclusion: Also in young football players, muscle injuries are responsible for long time-losses. In this study, muscle length was not a risk factor for muscle injuries. The muscle-injury score allowed grading of muscle injuries and prediction of the time-loss.


Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 769
Author(s):  
Gil Rodas ◽  
Víctor Moreno-Pérez ◽  
Juan Del Coso ◽  
Daniel Florit ◽  
Lourdes Osaba ◽  
...  

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.


Author(s):  
Rhys Morris ◽  
Tony Myers ◽  
Stacey Emmonds ◽  
Dave Singleton ◽  
Kevin Till

Abstract Purpose Sled towing has been shown to be an effective method to enhance the physical qualities in youth athletes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a 6-week sled towing intervention on muscular strength, speed and power in elite youth soccer players of differing maturity status. Method Seventy-three male elite youth soccer players aged 12–18 years (Pre-Peak Height Velocity [PHV] n = 25; Circa-PHV n = 24; Post-PHV n = 24) from one professional soccer academy participated in this study. Sprint assessments (10 m and 30 m), countermovement jump and isometric mid-thigh pull were undertaken before (T1) and after (T2) a 6-week intervention. The training intervention consisted of 6 weeks (2 × per week, 10 sprints over 20 m distance) of resisted sled towing (linear progression 10%–30% of body mass) during the competitive season. Bayesian regression models analysed differences between T1 and T2 within each maturity group. Results There were minimal changes in strength, speed and power (P = 0.35–0.80) for each maturity group across the 6-week intervention. Where there were changes with greater certainty, they are unlikely to represent real effect due to higher regression to the mean (RTM). Conclusion It appears that a 6-week sled towing training programme with loadings of 10%–30% body mass only maintains physical qualities in elite youth soccer players pre-, circa-, and post-PHV. Further research is required to determine the effectiveness of this training method in long-term athletic development programmes.


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