Injuries in amateur soccer players on artificial turf: a one-season prospective study.
BACKGROUND
Epidemiological studies in soccer are important for injury prevention. However, most of the available information is limited to elite players.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the epidemiology of injuries in amateur soccer players on artificial turf.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study during one competitive season (2010-2011).


METHODS
Amateur soccer players.


METHODS
231 players (aged 24.7; range: 18-38 years).


METHODS
Injury incidence was recorded prospectively according to the consensus statement for soccer.


RESULTS
213 injuries were recorded; 57% of the players suffered injuries. Injury incidence was 5.1 (95% CI: 4.3-5.9) injuries/1000 h exposure. Injury incidence was higher in matches than in training (32.2 [95% CI: 23.1-41.3] vs. 2.4 [95% CI: 1.8-3.0] injuries/1000 h; p < 0.001). The thigh (22.1%), knee (20.2%), and ankle (19.2%) were the most affected regions. The most frequent diagnoses were thigh strain/muscle rupture (18.3%), and ankle and knee strain/ligament injury (17.3% and 11.3%, respectively). Time-loss due to injury was 20.3 (95% CI: 16.8-23.73) days. Most injuries (79%) were traumatic; 21% were overuse injuries. Re-injuries accounted for 10% of all injuries sustained during the season.


CONCLUSIONS
Injury incidence in amateur soccer players is higher during matches played on artificial turf than during training sessions.
Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, R. Dr. Plácido Costa 91, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal. pedromrdesousa@yahoo.com
Pedro
P
Sousa
António
A
Rebelo
João
J
Brito
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005430:Floors and Floorcoverings; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D011174:Portugal / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012916:Soccer / Q000293:injuries*