[Prospective proprioceptive and coordinative training for injury reduction in elite female soccer].
OBJECTIVE
Does a prospective proprioceptive-coordinative additional training intervention in elite female soccer changes frequency and pattern of injuries?


METHODS
24 female soccer players of the German first division team of FC Bayern München were thoroughly supervised during the season 2003/04 regarding injuries resulting in an absence from at least one scheduled training session or game. During the winter break an additional proprioceptive-coordinative training program was initiated, which was performed on a regular basis during the second half of the season. Furthermore, we evaluated jump&reach, throwing power, coordinative skills, and flexibility.


RESULTS
All evaluated fitness results increased significantly during the season after the training intervention, such as jump&reach 44 +/- 4 cm vs. 38 +/- 10 cm (p < 0.05), coordinative power left and right leg, respectively (71 +/- 44 s vs. 45 +/- 37 s, 80 +/- 41 s vs. 50 +/- 32 s, both p < 0.05), flexibility left and right hip (89 +/- 8 degrees vs. 78 +/- 13 degrees and 88 +/- 9 degrees vs. 79 +/- 10 degrees, p < 0.05). Comparing the 1st to the 2nd half of the season, 25 vs. 26 injuries after foulplay and 69 vs. 52 without contact occur (p < 0.05). Muscle injuries resulting in game or training absence were significantly reduced by 400% (12 vs. 3, p < 0.05). In the 1st half of the season, 2 anterior cruciate ruptures (ACL) occur vs. none in the 2nd half after the training intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
An additional proprioceptive-coordinative training intervention increases coordinative abilities, jump power, throwing power, and flexibility during a half season. After initiation of the proprioceptive-coordinative training the incidence of muscle injuries resulting in an absence of at least one game or practice session was reduced significantly by 400 %. Regarding the reduced incidence of ACL injuries after proprioceptive-coordinative training in female elite soccer players, further studies have to be performed to elucidate the value of this training intervention.
Knobloch
K
K
Klinik für Unfallchirurgie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover. kknobi@yahoo.com
Martin-Schmitt
S
S
Gösling
T
T
Jagodzinski
M
M
Zeichen
J
J
Krettek
C
C
D000328:Adult; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009132:Muscles / Q000293:injuries; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D004856:Postural Balance; D011434:Proprioception; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012916:Soccer / Q000293:injuries*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016387:Women's Health