Small Multifidus Muscle Size Predicts Football Injuries

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Anatomy

Background:

• Lower limb injuries are prevalent in Australian football.
• Smaller multifidus muscles correlate with increased injury risk.
• Multifidus muscle rehabilitation is linked to reduced injury recurrence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the reliability of multifidus muscle measurements for predicting lower limb injuries in professional football players.
• To investigate the relationship between multifidus muscle size and lower limb injury incidence.

Main Methods:

• A cohort study involving ultrasound examinations of elite football players.
• 259 players assessed at preseason, 261 at playing season start.
• Injury data collected by Australian Football League (AFL) club staff.

Main Results:

• Reduced multifidus muscle size at L5 predicted injuries during both preseason and playing season.
• Muscle asymmetry and low back pain correlated with preseason lower limb injuries.
• Seasonal decrease in multifidus muscle size indicated increased injury risk.

Conclusions:

• A predictive model for football player lower limb injuries was developed.
• Changes in multifidus muscle size from preseason to playing season are significant injury predictors.
• Multifidus muscle size is modifiable and can be integrated into injury prevention strategies.