Shoe and Field Surface Risk Factors for Acute Lower Extremity Injuries Among Female Youth Soccer Players.

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Acute lower extremity injuries are common in female youth soccer.
• Understanding extrinsic risk factors is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the incidence and characteristics of acute lower extremity injuries in female youth soccer players.
• To evaluate extrinsic risk factors associated with these injuries.

Main Methods:

• A nested case-control study was conducted with 351 female soccer players aged 11-15 years.
• Injured players and matched uninjured controls were interviewed regarding injury circumstances, playing surface, footwear, and position.
• Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between risk factors and injury.

Main Results:

• Ankle (39.3%) and knee (24.9%) were the most commonly injured sites.
• Playing on grass surfaces (odds ratio [OR], 2.83) and wearing cleats on grass (OR, 2.4) during practice increased injury likelihood.
• Playing the defender position during games was also associated with a higher risk of injury (OR, 1.89).

Conclusions:

• Ankle and knee injuries constitute the majority of acute injuries in this population.
• Implementing injury prevention strategies targeting these areas and considering safer playing surfaces like artificial turf for training is recommended.
• Reducing injuries in female youth soccer requires attention to playing surfaces and footwear during practice and games.