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Soccer injuries and their relation to physical maturity
D D Backous1, K E Friedl, N J Smith
1Division of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle.
American Journal of Diseases of Children (1960)
|August 1, 1988
Summary
Youth soccer players experience frequent lower extremity injuries, particularly ankle sprains and contusions. Injury risk increases at age 14, with taller, weaker boys showing higher susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Pediatric Sports Injuries
- Soccer Epidemiology
Background:
- Soccer is a popular youth sport with inherent injury risks.
- Understanding injury patterns is crucial for prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively analyze injury incidence and types in youth soccer players.
- To identify risk factors associated with soccer-related injuries in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study design involving youth soccer players aged 6-17 years.
- Standardized injury assessment and documentation by a certified athletic trainer.
- Data collection on injury type, location, and player characteristics.
Main Results:
- Overall injury incidence was 10.6/1000 hours for girls and 7.3/1000 hours for boys.
- Seventy percent of injuries affected the lower extremities, with ankle injuries being most common.
- Contusions (35.2%) and strains (27.8%) were the most frequent injury types.
- Injury incidence increased at age 14 for both sexes.
- Taller boys ( > 165 cm) with weaker grip strength ( < 25 kg) exhibited a higher injury incidence.
Conclusions:
- Youth soccer participation leads to significant lower extremity injuries, especially in girls and older adolescents.
- Ankle injuries and contusions are prevalent, highlighting the need for targeted prevention.
- Specific physical characteristics, such as height and grip strength, may indicate increased injury risk in adolescent boys.