The five most common injuries: And how to prevent them by Amy Breviano

Researchers have extensively studied risk factors for soccer injuries and potential preventive actions like warm-up, protective equipment, and good playing field conditions. Approximately 85 percent of these injuries occur in players 23 years old and younger, with 45 percent occurring in players younger than 15. A recent study in the American Journal of Sports Medicine expanded on previous research to show the success of a prevention program on reducing soccer injuries.

A Review of the Study

Researchers in Switzerland studied 194 male youth soccer players (average age 16) over one year. They compared injuries among players who received an injury prevention program with a control group of players who did not receive the prevention program. The majority of the players were defenders or midfield players (61percent).

All players enrolled in the study received:

* A clinical examination of the spine, hip, knee, and ankle
* A soccer test of flexibility, speed, strength, and endurance
* A self-administered survey of medical history, psychological characteristics, and aspects of training and soccer play

The team physician collected information on injuries and physical complaints that lasted for more than two weeks or resulted in missing the next match or training session. Players in the prevention program group had 20 percent fewer injuries than those in the control group?with the greatest effects seen for mild, overuse, and training injuries. Match injuries, or those caused by contact with another players, are more difficult to prevent. All in all, these results suggest that comprehensive prevention programs can decrease the incidence of soccer injuries in young players.

A Little More About the Prevention Program
The program emphasized general prevention rather than prevention of specific injuries.
Features of the Program

* Improvement of warm-up
* Regular cool-down
* taping of unstable ankles
* Adequate rehabilitation
* Promotion of the spirit of fair play

Specifically designed F-MARC Bricks, which are 10 sets of exercises to improve the following:

* Stability of the ankle and knee joints
* Flexibility of the trunk, hip, and leg muscles
* Coordination, reaction time, and endurance

A three-tiered approach to educating and supervising the coaches and players

* Coaches
Received courses, practical demonstrations, and individual consultations by a sports scientist

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