The "FIFA 11+" injury prevention program improves body stability in child (10 year old) soccer players

High Compliance with the 11+ Injury Prevention Program Results in Better Win-Loss Records

Background

The 11+ injury prevention program (IPP) has been shown to decrease injury rates. However, few studies have investigated compliance and its overall relationship to team performance.

Hypothesis/Purpose

To examine if level of compliance while implementing the 11+ would impact team performance outcomes (wins, losses and ties). The authors hypothesized that higher team compliance to the IPP would be consistent with improved overall team performance (more wins and fewer losses).

Study Design

Prospective, cluster randomized controlled trial.

Methods

This study was conducted in NCAA men's soccer teams for one season and examined the efficacy of the 11+ IPP. The outcome variables examined were levels of compliance and team performance record: wins, losses, and ties. Twenty-seven teams (n=675 players) served as the intervention group (IG) and used the 11+ program while 34 teams (n=850 players) served as the control group (CG). Compliance and team performance were recorded. There were three compliance categories that were defined prospectively, low (LC, < 1 dose/week), moderate (MC, >1 and <2 doses/week), and high (HC, >2 doses/week). Descriptive and inferential tests were used to compare the CG, the IG, and compliance to team performance. Three independent t-tests were used to analyze outcome to group (IG vs. CG). A one way-MANOVA test was used to analyze compliance to win/loss/tie record, followed up by one-way ANOVA tests to analyze how compliance impacted wins, losses and ties, independently. Partial η2 measures were calculated to determine the effect size of level of compliance on outcome. A Tukey post-hoc analysis was used to analyze specific differences between levels of compliance and specific outcome measures.

Results

There were significantly more wins (IG: 10.67±2.63 versus CG: 8.15±3.83, CI, 7.95 - 9.69, p = 0.005) and fewer losses (IG: 5.56±1.97 versus CG: 8.12±3.59, CI, 5.66 to 7.43, p = 0.002) recorded for the teams using the 11+ program. There was a statistically significant difference between levels of compliance (high, moderate or low) on the dependent variables (wins, losses, and ties), F(3, 22) = 3.780, p =0.004; Wilks' Λ = .435; partial η2 = .340.

Conclusion

The 11+ has the capacity to improve overall team performance in male collegiate soccer teams. The higher the compliance, the more favorable the team performance. This research may be a vital addition when attempting to persuade coaching staffs to adopt an IPP into their training regimen.

Level of Evidence

Level I.

FIFA 11+ Kids program effects on jump kinetics in soccer players - A randomized controlled clinical trial

This study aimed to analyse the effects of the FIFA 11+ Kids programme on jump kinetics in soccer players. Twenty-four athletes (aged 9-11 years) were randomly allocated to the following groups: 1) the FIFA 11+ Kids programme (FT, n = 12), and 2) control training (CT, n = 12). Kinetic assessments of vertical jump (VJ), drop landing (DL), and anterior jump + maximum vertical jump (AJ) were performed on a force platform before and after eight weeks of training. Post-intervention impulse peak force and maximum impulse force (VJ) were significantly greater than the baseline values in the FT group (P < 0.001). Post-intervention landing peak force values for the first and second landings (DL) were significantly greater than the baseline values in the FT group (P = 0.01 and P = 0.05, respectively). Post-intervention landing peak force in the first landing (AJ) was significantly greater than the baseline values in the FT group (P = 0.005). The FT was effective in improving the impulsion performance during VJ. However, it increased the landing forces during DL and VJ.

Effects of Multicomponent Injury Prevention Programs on Children and Adolescents' Fundamental Movement Skills: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analyses

OBJECTIVE

Fundamental movement skills (FMS) are essential to participate in physical activity. Understanding the effects of multicomponent injury prevention programs (MIPP) on FMS may help promote safe physical activity. Our objective was to synthesize the evidence on the effects of MIPP on biomechanical outcomes and neuromuscular performance measured on children and adolescents while performing FMS.

DATA SOURCE

We searched PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and SCOPUS.

STUDY INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA

We included peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials, published in English, that analyzed the effects of MIPP on biomechanics and neuromuscular performance of FMS in participants under 18 years of age.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two reviewers screened the articles, assessed the quality of the evidence using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale, and synthesized the data.

DATA SYNTHESIS

We conducted meta-analyses and reported the characteristics, outcomes, and risk of bias of studies.

RESULTS

We included 27 articles that reported data from 1,427 participants. Positive effects on FMS were reported in 23 of the 27 included articles. Vertical Jump, running speed, acceleration, and dynamic balance presented positive-significant pooled effect sizes. Dribbling and horizontal jump presented non-significant pooled effect sizes.

CONCLUSION

MIPP can positively affect FMS in children and adolescents in sports-related settings. Lack of participant compliance and implementation fidelity may affect MIPP effectiveness. Including MIPP in physical literacy interventions, physical education classes, and organized physical activity may lead to functional adaptations that help promote safe physical activity.

Effects of the "FIFA11+ Kids" Program on Injury Prevention in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

FIFA11+ Kids is a warm-up program specially designed to prevent football injuries in children. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the effects of FIFA11+ Kids on injury prevention in young football players. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched from 1 January 2016 to 24 August 2022. The primary outcome was overall injuries, and the secondary outcomes were severe, ankle, knee, and lower extremity injuries. Risk ratios (RRs) were calculated for each outcome. Methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. A total of 230 articles were screened, 6 of which were finally included in the meta-analysis. Compared with normal warm-up training, FIFA11+ Kids significantly reduced overall injury risk (RR = 0.52 [95% CI, 0.44-0.62]; p < 0.00001), severe injury risk (RR = 0.33 [95% CI, 0.18-0.61]; p = 0.0004), lower extremity injury risk (RR = 0.51 [95% CI, 0.41-0.65]; p < 0.00001), knee injury risk (RR = 0.45 [95% CI, 0.29-0.72]; p = 0.0009), and ankle injury risk (RR = 0.56 [95% CI, 0.35-0.89]; p = 0.01) in young football players. FIFA11+ Kids was found to be an effective approach to decrease the injury risk among young football players, which is worth generalizing extensively.

The FIFA 11+ Kids Injury Prevention Program Reduces Injury Rates Among Male Children Soccer Players: A Clustered Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) 11+ Kids is an exercise-based injury prevention program developed by an international group of experts to prevent injuries among child soccer players.

HYPOTHESIS

It was hypothesized that the FIFA 11+ Kids program would be more effective than performing a typical warm-up regimen in reducing overall injuries among soccer players aged 7 to 13 years.

STUDY DESIGN

A clustered randomized controlled trial.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 1.

METHODS

A total of 94 boys' soccer teams, including 780 players, were randomly allocated into an experimental or control group. Complete datasets were collected from 45 teams (377 players) and 43 teams (363 players) in the experimental and control groups, respectively. The experimental group underwent the FIFA 11+ Kids program as a warm-up during training sessions and matches at least twice a week, and the control group continued performing their usual warm-ups. Participants were prospectively followed during 1 season (6 months). The primary outcomes included the incidence of overall and recurrent injuries and their mechanism and severity. The secondary outcome was the rate of compliance with the intervention program.

RESULTS

A total of 43 injuries were reported in the experimental group in 50,120 hours of exposure (0.85 injuries/1000 exposure hours). A total of 86 injuries were reported in the control group in 42,616 hours of exposure (2.01 injuries/1000 exposure hours). The injury risk ratio was 0.43 (0.29-0.61), suggesting that the experimental group experienced 57% fewer injuries than those in the control group.

CONCLUSION

The FIFA 11+ Kids program reduced overall injury rates in children playing soccer more than the usual warm-ups.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The results of this study provide evidence for children's coaches to consider including the FIFA 11+ Kids program in their warm-up regimen. Such a program may prevent injury risk and decrease absenteeism and injury-related financial burdens.

Uncommon Bone Injuries in Soccer Players

Soccer is the most common team sport in the world. A significant number of players are associated with a large number of injuries. Injuries occur in a variety of contexts regardless of the age or performance level of players. The vast majority of injuries involve soft tissues. Bone injuries are less common, but usually result in long-term exclusion from the game. Three different types of fractures related to soccer are classified as acute types, stress fractures and avulsion. This manuscript outlines the diagnostic procedures and treatments for stress fractures, avulsion fractures and bone cyst. The common feature of the described injuries includes frequent difficulties associated with the correct diagnosis and treatment direction. In therapeutic treatment, the doctor and the patient often have to choose between conservative treatment and surgical treatment, which in many cases is not simple. We suggest that in the event of injuries to soccer players, surgical treatment should be used, shortening the time to return to full sports activity. A very important element of the therapeutic process is proper rehabilitation, which should be individually tailored to the patient in order to optimize the treatment process. Some of the rehabilitation protocols should be permanently incorporated into the warm-up protocols for training. Such a procedure has a preventive effect.

Performance Effects with Injury Prevention Exercise Programmes in Male Youth Football Players: A Randomised Trial Comparing Two Interventions

BACKGROUND

Increased performance from injury prevention exercise programmes (IPEPs) may affect injury risks positively and support the implementation of IPEPs. The primary aim was to study the performance effects of injury prevention exercises from two different IPEPs, the Knee Control IPEP and the further developed Knee Control+ IPEP, in youth male football players, and the secondary aim was to compare potential differences in performance effects between the IPEPs.

METHODS

Four male youth football teams were tested for agility, hop and sprint performance at the start of the second half of the competitive season and after the end of the 8-week season. Per randomisation, two teams used Knee Control and two teams Knee Control+.

RESULTS

In total, 47 players executed a median of 13 IPEP sessions (range 11-21 sessions). No improvements in performance were seen in the group as a whole. The intervention groups showed small declines in sprint and agility performance. There was a significant between-group difference in change for the 505 agility test, with improved performance in the Knee Control and worse performance in the Knee Control+ group, ΔKC vs KC+ = - 0.012 (95% CI - 0.19 to -0.04), d = 0.98.

CONCLUSIONS

No clinically meaningful performance effects were seen from the Knee Control or Knee Control+ IPEP in youth male athletes and no meaningful differences were seen between Knee Control and Knee Control+ regarding effects on performance tests.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03251404 . Registered on 16 August 2017.

Influence of Maturation Status on Eccentric Hamstring Strength Improvements in Youth Male Soccer Players After the Nordic Hamstring Exercise

PURPOSE

This study examined the effects of a 6-week Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) program in youth male soccer players of less mature (pre-peak height velocity [PHV]) or more mature (mid/post-PHV) status.

METHODS

Forty-eight participants were separated into pre-PHV (11.0 [0.9] y) or mid/post-PHV (13.9 [1.1]) groups and further divided into experimental (EXP) and control groups with eccentric hamstring strength assessed (NordBord) both before and after the training program. Participants in the EXP groups completed a periodized NHE program performed once or twice weekly over a 6-week period.

RESULTS

The NHE program resulted in moderate and small increases in relative eccentric hamstring strength (in newtons per kilogram) in the pre-PHV EXP (d = 0.83 [0.03-1.68]) and mid-PHV EXP (d = 0.53 [-0.06 to 1.12]) groups, respectively. Moderate increases in the same measure were also seen in the between-groups analyses in the pre-PHV (d = 1.03 [0.23-1.84]) and mid-PHV (d = 0.87 [0.22-1.51]) groups, with a greater effect observed in the former.

CONCLUSION

The results from this study demonstrate that a 6-week NHE program can improve eccentric hamstring strength in male youth soccer players, with less-mature players achieving mostly greater benefits. The findings from this study can aid in the training prescription of NHE in youth male soccer players.