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Talia AJ, Busuttil NA, Kendal AR, Brown R. Gender differences in foot and ankle sporting injuries: A systematic literature review. Foot (Edinb) 2024; 60:102122. [PMID: 39121692 DOI: 10.1016/j.foot.2024.102122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In response to the all-time high of female sports participation, there has been increasing scientific discourse and media interest in women's sporting injuries in recent years. In gender comparable sports the rate of foot and ankle injury for women is higher than for men. There are intrinsic and extrinsic factors which may explain this difference. METHODS A systematic literature search was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines of PubMed, Ovid EMBASE and OVID MEDLINE. Relevant key terms were used to narrow the scope of the search prior to screening. Case reports, review articles, paediatric patients, non foot and ankle injuries and combat sports were excluded. We used dual author, two pass screening to arrive at final included studies. RESULTS 2510 articles were screened after duplicate exclusion. 104 were included in this literature review. We identified lack of reporting gender difference in the literature.We identified that females have higher frequency and severity of injury. We provide an overview of our current understanding of ankle ligament complex injuries, stress fractures, ostochondral lesions of the talus and Achilles tendon rupture. We expand on the evidence of two codes of football, soccer and Australian rules, as a "case study" of how injury patterns differ between genders in the same sport. We identify gender specific characteristics including severity, types of injury, predisposing risk factors, anatomy, endocrinology and biomechanics associated with injuries. Finally, we examine the effect of level of competition on female injury patterns. CONCLUSIONS There is a lack of scientific reporting of gender differences of foot and ankle injuries. Female athletes suffer foot and ankle injuries at higher rates and with greater severity compared to males. This is an under-reported, yet important area of orthopaedics and sports medicine to understand, and hence reduce the injury burden for female athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian J Talia
- Department of Foot & Ankle Surgery, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, UK; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Western Health, Footscray Hospital, Gordon Street, Footscray, VIC 3011, Australia; Melbourne Orthopaedic Group, 33 The Avenue, Windsor, VIC 3181, Australia.
| | - Nicholas A Busuttil
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia; Performance Science, Research and Innovation, The Movement Institute, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Adrian R Kendal
- Department of Foot & Ankle Surgery, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, UK; The Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, UK.
| | - Rick Brown
- Department of Foot & Ankle Surgery, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, UK.
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Ressman J, von Rosen P, Grooten WJA, Rasmussen-Barr E. Factors associated with the Single Leg Squat test in female soccer players: a cross-sectional study. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2024; 16:76. [PMID: 38566260 PMCID: PMC10985895 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-024-00853-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Single Leg Squat (SLS) test is widely used in the clinical setting to examine and evaluate rehabilitation goals. It is simple to perform and is proposed to have biomechanical and neuromuscular similarities to athletic movements. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether demographics, previous injuries, and biomechanical and psychosocial factors are associated with the outcome of the SLS, assessed as a total score for all segments and as a separate knee segment in elite and sub-elite female soccer players. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 254 female soccer players (22 yrs; SD ± 4, height 1.69 m; SD ± 0.1, weight 64 kg; SD ± 6) from divisions 1-3 of the Swedish Soccer League. During the preseason, we assessed the participants using the SLS and tested their hip strength and ankle mobility. Demographics, previous injury, sleep quality, fear of movement, anxiety, and perceived stress were assessed with questionnaires. Logistic regression models were built to analyse the association between the outcome of the SLS and the independent variables for the dominant and non-dominant leg. RESULTS Significantly more participants failed the SLS on the dominant leg compared with the non-dominant leg (p < 0.001). The outcome of the SLS associated with various biopsychosocial factors depending on if the dominant or non-dominant leg was tested. The total score associated with hip strength for the dominant (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.98-0.99, p = 0.04) and the non-dominant leg (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.97-0.99, p = 0.03). The knee segment associated with division level for the dominant (div 2; OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.01-5.12, p = 0.033. div 3; OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.61-5.85, p = 0.001) and non-dominant leg (div 2; OR 3.30, 95% CI 1.33-8.00, p = 0.01. div 3; OR 3.05, 95% CI 1.44-6.43, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS This study identified that leg dominance, division level, hip strength, and psychosocial factors were associated with the outcome of the SLS when assessed as a total score and as a separate knee segment. This indicates that clinicians need to understand that movement control is associated with factors from several domains. Whether these factors and, the results of the SLS are related to injury need to be studied prospectively. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Trials Gov, date of registration 2022-03-01. CLINICAL TRIALS IDENTIFIER NCT05289284A.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Ressman
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Allé 23, Huddinge, Stockholm, 141 83, Sweden.
| | - Philip von Rosen
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Allé 23, Huddinge, Stockholm, 141 83, Sweden
| | - Wilhelmus Johannes Andreas Grooten
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Allé 23, Huddinge, Stockholm, 141 83, Sweden
- Medical Unit Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Allied Health Professionals, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, 141 86, Sweden
| | - Eva Rasmussen-Barr
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Allé 23, Huddinge, Stockholm, 141 83, Sweden
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Horan D, Büttner F, Blake C, Hägglund M, Kelly S, Delahunt E. Injury incidence rates in women's football: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective injury surveillance studies. Br J Sports Med 2022; 57:471-480. [PMID: 36229168 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2021-105177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the literature to establish overall, match and training injury incidence rates (IIRs) in senior (≥18 years of age) women's football (amateur club, elite club and international). DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis of overall, match and training IIRs in senior women's football, stratified by injury location, type and severity. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE via PubMed; EMBASE via Ovid; CINAHL via EBSCO and Web of Science were searched from earliest record to July 2021. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES (1) football players participating in a senior women's football league (amateur club or elite club) or a senior women's international football tournament; (2) the study had to report IIRs or provide sufficient data from which this outcome metric could be calculated through standardised equations; (3) a full-text article published in a peer-reviewed journal before July 2021; (4) a prospective injury surveillance study and (5) case reports on single teams were ineligible. RESULTS 17 articles met the inclusion criteria; amateur club (n=2), elite club (n=10), international (n=5). Overall, match and training 'time-loss' IIRs are similar between senior women's elite club football and international football. 'Time-loss' training IIRs in senior women's elite club football and international football are approximately 6-7 times lower than their equivalent match IIRs. Overall 'time-loss' IIRs stratified by injury type in women's elite club football were 2.70/1000 hours (95% CI 1.12 to 6.50) for muscle and tendon, 2.62/1000 hours (95% CI 1.26 to 5.46) for joint and ligaments, and 0.76/1000 hours (95% CI 0.55 to 1.03) for contusions. Due to the differences in injury definitions, it was not possible to aggregate IIRs for amateur club football. CONCLUSION Lower limb injuries incurred during matches are a substantial problem in senior women's football. The prevention of lower limb joint, ligament, muscle and tendon injuries should be a central focus of injury prevention interventions in senior women's amateur club, elite club and international football. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020162895.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Horan
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland .,High Performance Department, Football Association of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fionn Büttner
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Catherine Blake
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Institute for Sport and Health, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Martin Hägglund
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Football Research Group, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Seamus Kelly
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Institute for Sport and Health, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eamonn Delahunt
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Institute for Sport and Health, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Mayhew L, Johnson MI, Jones G. Comment on: "Injury Profile in Women's Football: A Systematic Review and Meta‑analysis". Sports Med 2021; 51:2665-2666. [PMID: 34449051 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-021-01531-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Mayhew
- Musculoskeletal Health Research Group, School of Clinical Applied Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK.
| | - Mark I Johnson
- Musculoskeletal Health Research Group, School of Clinical Applied Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK.,Centre for Pain Research, School of Clinical Applied Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - Gareth Jones
- Musculoskeletal Health Research Group, School of Clinical Applied Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK.,Centre for Pain Research, School of Clinical Applied Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
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Injury Profile in Women's Football: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Med 2021; 51:423-442. [PMID: 33433863 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-020-01401-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Football is the most popular sport among women; however, little is known about the injury profile in this population. This information would help design tailored injury risk mitigation strategies that may make football safer for women. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological data of injuries in women´s football. METHODS A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was performed up to January 2020 in PubMed, Web of Science, Sportdiscus and the Cochrane Library databases. Twenty-two studies reporting the incidence of injuries in women football were analysed. Two reviewers independently extracted data (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] for inter-reviewer reliability = 0.87) and assessed study quality using the STROBE statement, GRADE approach, Newcastle Ottawa Scale and Downs and Black assessment tools. Studies were combined in pooled analyses (injury incidence and injury proportion) using a Poisson random effects regression model. RESULTS The overall incidence of injuries in female football players was 6.1 injuries/1000 h of exposure. Match injury incidence (19.2 injuries/1000 h of exposure) was almost six times higher than training injury incidence rate (3.5 injuries/1000 h of exposure). Lower extremity injuries had the highest incidence rates (4.8 injuries/1000 h of exposure). The most common types of injuries were muscle/tendon (1.8 injuries/1000 h of exposure) and joint (non-bone) and ligament (1.5 injuries/1000 h of exposure), which were frequently associated with traumatic incidents. Slight/minimal injuries (1-3 days of time loss) were the most common. The incidence rate of injuries during matches in the top five world ranking leagues was higher than the rest of the leagues (19.3 vs 10.7 injuries/1000 h of exposure, respectively). The weighted injury proportion was 1.1 (95% confidence interval = 0.6-1.7) whereby on average players sustained more than one injury per season. CONCLUSIONS Female football players are exposed to a substantial risk of sustaining injuries, especially during matches that require the highest level of performance. To markedly reduce overall injury burden, efforts should focus on introducing and evaluating preventative measures that target match specific dynamics to make football players more capable of responding to the challenges that they have to deal with during match play. REGISTRATION This systematic review was registered in the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews (ID = CRD42019118152).
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Ibikunle PO, Efobi KC, Nwankwo MJ, Ani KU. UEFA model in identification of types, severity and mechanism of injuries among footballers in the Nigerian Women's Premier League. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2019; 5:e000386. [PMID: 30899543 PMCID: PMC6407567 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2018-000386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To prospectively investigate the injury profile and the incidence rate per 1000 hours exposure during training and actual league matches in the Nigerian Women’s Premier League (NWPL) and to develop an adequate information pool, using the UEFA injury study model in order to develop appropriate injury prevention strategies. Methods 241 women footballers from the eight football clubs that participated in the 2015/2016 Nigerian Women Premier league (NWPL) season were selected for the study and prospectively followed for a period of 6 months. The UEFA injury report forms and Competitive Aggressiveness and Anger Scale were sent to the various clubs, and the forms administered on them as at when due. The forms were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results There was a high incidence rate per 1000 hours of exposure during training sessions (10.98 injuries/1000 hours) and matches (55.56 injuries/1000 hours); the predominant injury type was muscle rupture/strain injuries (35.49%), while moderate severity injuries were the most frequent. The predominant injury mechanism was traumatic injuries caused by contact with other players as a result of a tackle by other players (14.5%). No statistical association was established between the level of aggression and the prevalent types of injury (p=0.63). Conclusions The organisers of the league and indeed the referees should ensure that the rules of the game are upheld, and foul or overly aggressive play is penalised. Medical staff and coaches should consider evidence-based injury prevention strategies to reduce the risk of the common injuries sustained in the NWPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Olanrewaju Ibikunle
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, College of Health Sciences, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Nigeria
| | - Kinsley C Efobi
- Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amakwu, Alayi, Nigeria
| | - Maduabuchi J Nwankwo
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, College of Health Sciences, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Nigeria
| | - Kenneth U Ani
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, College of Health Sciences, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Nigeria
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Waldén M, Hägglund M, Ekstrand J. The epidemiology of groin injury in senior football: a systematic review of prospective studies. Br J Sports Med 2015; 49:792-7. [DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2015-094705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Lislevand M, Andersen TE, Junge A, Dvorak J, Steffen K. Injury surveillance during a 2-day national female youth football tournament in Kenya. Br J Sports Med 2013; 48:924-8. [PMID: 24273307 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2013-092307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyse the incidence, characteristics and circumstances of injuries during a female youth amateur football tournament in Kenya. DESIGN 14 injury recorders prospectively registered and classified all injuries during all matches. Four physiotherapists and two doctors supported the injury recorders. SETTING A 2-day Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA) inter-provincial football tournament for female players in Nairobi, Kenya. The tournament is organised by a non-governmental organisation (NGO). PARTICIPANTS 938 females divided into three age groups (under 13 years (U13), under 16 years (U16) and over 16 years (O16)). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Overall injury incidence. RESULTS 123 injuries occurred in 106 matches. The incidence of all injuries was 93.3 injuries/1000 h. Players in the U13 (relative risk (RR)=2.16, 95% CI 1.3 to 3.5; p=0.002) and U16 (RR=2.17, 95% CI 1.3 to 3.5; p=0.002) age groups had an increased risk of injury compared to the O16 group. Most injuries allowed the players to continue to play (n=98 of 121; 81%). For 15 (12%) of the injuries the player did not continue to play but was expected to fully participate in the following match, and eight of the injuries (6.1 injuries/1000 h) were expected to result in the player's absence from play for 1-7 days. The injuries most commonly affected the lower limb (n=100; 82%); contusions to the ankle (n=15; 12%) and foot/toe (n=15; 12%) were the most common specific injury types. Most acute injuries (89 of 113, 79%) were caused by player contact. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of injuries among female youth football players in a national tournament in Kenya was high, but time-loss injuries were rare. Playing football in a tournament organised by an NGO at the inter-provincial level was safe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Lislevand
- Department of Sports Medicine, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center, , Oslo, Norway
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Kristenson K, Bjørneboe J, Waldén M, Andersen TE, Ekstrand J, Hägglund M. The Nordic Football Injury Audit: higher injury rates for professional football clubs with third-generation artificial turf at their home venue. Br J Sports Med 2013; 47:775-81. [PMID: 23760552 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2013-092266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previously, no difference in acute injury rate has been found when playing football on artificial turf (AT) compared with natural grass (NG). AIM To compare acute injury rates in professional football played on AT and NG at the individual player level; and to compare, at club level, acute and overuse injury rates between clubs that have AT at their home venue (AT clubs) and clubs that have NG (NG clubs). METHODS 32 clubs (AT, n=11; NG, n=21) in the male Swedish and Norwegian premier leagues were followed prospectively during the 2010 and 2011 seasons. Injury rate was expressed as the number of time loss injuries/1000 h and compared with rate ratio (RR) and 99% CI. RESULTS No statistically significant differences were found in acute injury rates on AT compared with NG during match play (RR 0.98, 99% CI 0.79 to 1.22) or training (RR 1.14, 99% CI 0.86 to 1.50) when analysing at the individual player level. When analysing at the club level, however, AT clubs had a significantly higher acute training injury rate (RR 1.31, 99% CI 1.04 to 1.63) and overuse injury rate (RR 1.38, 99% CI 1.14 to 1.65) compared with NG clubs. CONCLUSIONS At the individual player level, no significant differences were found in acute injury rates when playing on AT compared with NG. However, clubs with AT at their home venue had higher rates of acute training injuries and overuse injuries compared with clubs that played home matches on NG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Kristenson
- Division of Community Medicine, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
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Waldén M, Hägglund M, Orchard J, Kristenson K, Ekstrand J. Regional differences in injury incidence in European professional football. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2011; 23:424-30. [PMID: 22092416 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2011.01409.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate regional differences in injury incidence in men's professional football in Europe. A nine-season prospective cohort study was carried out between 2001-2002 and 2009-2010 involving 1357 players in 25 teams from nine countries. Teams were categorized into different regions according to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system. Teams from the northern parts of Europe (n = 20) had higher incidences of injury overall [rate ratio 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06 to 1.20], training injury (rate ratio 1.16, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.27), and severe injury (rate ratio 1.29, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.52), all statistically significant, compared to teams from more southern parts (n = 5). In contrast, the anterior cruciate ligament injury incidence was lower in the northern European teams with a statistically significant difference (rate ratio 0.43, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.77), especially for noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injury (rate ratio 0.19, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.39). In conclusion, this study suggests that there are regional differences in injury incidence of European professional football. However, further studies are needed to identify the underlying causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Waldén
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
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Le Gall F, Carling C, Reilly T. Injuries in young elite female soccer players: an 8-season prospective study. Am J Sports Med 2008; 36:276-84. [PMID: 17932408 DOI: 10.1177/0363546507307866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiologic data on injuries in young female soccer players at elite levels are scarce. PURPOSE The aim of the present study is to investigate the incidence of soccer-related injuries in young elite female French players. STUDY DESIGN Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS Injuries sustained by players between 15 and 19 years of age, during 8 seasons, were diagnosed and documented by a sports physician according to type, location, severity, the date the injury occurred, and playing position. RESULTS Altogether 619 injuries were documented for 110 players (92.4%). Of these injuries, 64.6% (4.6/1000 training hours; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.2-5.0) and 35.4% (22.4/1000 match hours; 95% CI, 19.4-25.4) were sustained during training and matches, respectively. The risk of injury was greater in the youngest (under age 15) group compared with the oldest (under 19) group (relative risk 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3-2.3). Traumatic injuries amounted to 536 (86.4%) and 83 (13.4%) were overuse injuries. There were 51.9% minor injuries, 35.7% moderate injuries, and 12.4% major injuries. Most injuries were located at the lower extremities (83.4%), with the majority affecting the ankle (n = 157). The most commonly diagnosed injury was ankle sprain (16.8%). Twelve anterior cruciate ligament ruptures were sustained, with the majority occurring during matches (n = 10; 1.0/1000 match hours; 95% CI, 0.4-1.6). Reinjuries accounted for 4.4% of total injuries, and September was the predominant month for injury (14.2%). CONCLUSIONS The results, when compared with those of other investigations on female soccer players, revealed high rates of both traumatic injury and match injury, whereas recurrence of injury was low. Injuries, notably sprains, to the ankle were common, suggesting a need for the implementation of specific injury prevention strategies for this joint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franck Le Gall
- Institut National du Football, Centre Technique National Fernand-Sastre, Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, France
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