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Effectiveness of a telemonitoring injury prevention protocol on athletic performance in elite footballers: A randomized prospective controlled study

  • 0Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont "A. Avogadro", Novara, Italy.
Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation +

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December 1, 2025

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December 1, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

A digital version of the FIFA 11+ (FIFA 11 Plus) injury prevention program proved as effective as the traditional in-person method for improving football players' physical performance and hamstring strength.

Area Of Science

  • Sports Medicine
  • Digital Health
  • Football Performance

Background

  • Telecommunication systems and digital platforms enable athletes to access customized injury prevention protocols and receive real-time performance feedback.
  • The FIFA 11+ (FIFA 11 Plus) protocol is a widely recognized injury prevention program in football.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To assess the feasibility, adherence, and benefits of a digitally administered FIFA 11+ (FIFA 11 Plus) protocol in professional football players.
  • To compare the effectiveness of a digital FIFA 11+ (FIFA 11 Plus) protocol against its traditional in-person delivery.

Main Methods

  • A multicenter randomized prospective controlled study involving 55 professional football players (aged 15-40) from Italy and Switzerland.
  • Participants were assigned to either a digitally administered FIFA 11+ (FIFA 11 Plus) group or a traditional in-person FIFA 11+ (FIFA 11 Plus) group.
  • Both groups performed the protocol twice weekly for six months, with outcomes measured using agility, dribbling, endurance, and muscle strength tests.

Main Results

  • Both digital and in-person FIFA 11+ (FIFA 11 Plus) groups demonstrated significant improvements in hamstring strength, sprint performance, and Multistage 20m Shuttle Run Test (MSRT) outcomes (p < 0.05).
  • No significant differences were found between the groups regarding strength, heart rate response, perceived exertion, or agility (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

  • The digitally administered FIFA 11+ (FIFA 11 Plus) protocol is effective for enhancing physical performance and preventing injuries in football players, comparable to the in-person version.
  • Further research is recommended to explore the application of digital injury prevention strategies in broader athletic populations and settings.

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