INJURY PREVENTION IN YOUNG SOCCER PLAYERS: RESULTS OF A PILOT STUDY

Risk factors for soccer injuries and prevention have been discussed by several authors, but only few have investigated the effectiveness of preventive interventions, in particular in the last few years. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a prevention program on the incidence of soccer-related injuries in three different categories of younger players (Allievi, Giovanissimi e Primavera). The soccer teams took part in a prevention program to decrease injury risk, for two agonistic seasons (2005-06, 2006-07). Before identifying training programs, we valued the younger fitness status: each youth soccer players (aged 13 to 19) performed exercise tests of functional capacity: plyometric jump (explosive power) and Lèger test (aerobic resistance). Thus, the temporal connection in loads alternation 1:1 as applied. During the two agonistic seasons all new injuries were registered. The incidence of injury per 1000 hours of training and playing soccer was 3.6 and 1.3 in 2005-06 and 2006-07, respectively. A very high percentage of soccer-related injuries occurred during a game, unlike those occurring during training. Our prevention program had greater effects overall in the last agonistic season taken into account since he injury incidence was significantly lower those reported in other studies. In conclusion, the incidence of youth soccer-related injuries can be reduced by preventive interventions; and coaches and players need better education regarding injury prevention strategies and should include such interventions as part of their regular training.