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Latest Research
Research Details
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| Research Title: |
Risk factors for injuries in elite female soccer players |
| Type of Research: |
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| Category: |
Original
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| Keywords: |
Soccer
female, risk factors, ACL
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| Author(s): |
Faude O, Junge A, Kindermann W, Dvorak J |
| Author(s) Bio Box: |
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| Release Date: |
12 April 2010 |
| Research Summary/Text: |
In high level female soccer, injury incidence is as high as in professional male soccer. It is a complex, high intensity contact sport and is associated with a high injury risk. Twelve German national women’s league teams involving 143 players participated in a prospective study into injury risk. Team physiotherapists reported all injuries over the season August 2003 to June 2004, including preseason conditioning. A player was deemed injured until she was able to participate fully again in games and/or training.
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| Research Objectives: |
The study aimed to identify risk factors for injuries in female soccer players in the German national league on the basis of player characteristics and prospective injury record over a whole outdoor season.
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| Research Outcomes: |
The average time of absence per injured player was 32 days (12% of the season).
Taller players – those above 175 cm – showed a significantly increased injury risk and players with a high body mass index were more at risk of sustaining a non-contact injury.
As would be expected due to their exposure to contact situations, defenders and strikers showed a higher incidence of injury than goalkeepers and midfielders.
Players with a previous ACL rupture were significantly more likely to sustain a second one. Factors that contribute to an increased risk of recurrent ACL injuries are not related to the injured limb but to the person as a whole.
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| Research Implications: |
Individualised training programs for players who are at increased risk – with regard to anthropometric characteristics (height and BMI), playing position and injury history – should be considered.
Increases in height and body mass index may increase the forces on ligamentous and muscular structures during soccer play leading to increase risk of injury.
For all players, but particularly defenders and strikers, position specific preventive measures (evaluation, application of rules) may protect players when challenging for the ball. Improving anticipation and awareness of surroundings may also help to reduce injuries in hard fought contact situations.
There was a high incidence of ACL ruptures in female soccer, which is a serious concern. Given that players with previous ACL injury were significantly more likely to sustain a subsequent injury, these players should be targeted for training programs effective at reducing this risk.
Education for referees in awarding more stringent penalties for foul play may also help to reduce injury risk.
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