Related Experiment Videos
Injuries among young soccer players
S Schmidt-Olsen1, U Jørgensen, S Kaalund
1Department of Rheumatology, Aalborg Hospital, Reberbanegade, Denmark.
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
|May 1, 1991
Summary
Youth soccer has a low injury rate of 3.7 per 1000 hours. Injuries commonly affect the knee and ankle, with incidence increasing with age in young male players.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Pediatric Sports Injuries
- Soccer Biomechanics
Background:
- Youth soccer participation is widespread.
- Understanding injury patterns in young athletes is crucial for prevention.
- Previous research indicates varying injury risks across different sports.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and patterns of injuries in male youth soccer players.
- To compare injury rates and locations between different age groups within youth soccer.
- To assess the risk profile of youth soccer compared to senior players.
Main Methods:
- Prospective registration of all new injuries over one year.
- Study population: 496 male youth soccer players aged 12-18 years.
- Data collected on injury location, type, and player age.
Main Results:
- Overall injury incidence was 3.7 per 1000 player hours.
- Injury incidence increased with age, nearing senior player rates.
- Lower extremity injuries (knee 26%, ankle 23%) predominated; back pain in 14%; fractures in 4% (upper extremity).
Conclusions:
- Youth soccer presents a relatively low overall risk of injury.
- Injury patterns in youth soccer players show a slight divergence from senior players.
- Targeted injury prevention strategies may be beneficial, especially for older youth players.