Match workload and international travel associated with(ACL) injuries in professional women's football
The article "Match Workload and International Travel Associated with ACL Injuries in Professional Women's Football" examines the relationship between match congestion, travel demands, and injury risk among elite female soccer players. Analyzing data from four European leagues over two seasons (2021–2023), the study compared workload and travel patterns of players who experienced anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and hamstring injuries to those of non-injured players. Findings revealed that ACL-injured players had significantly more matches with fewer than five days of rest between games, higher total appearances, and less overall recovery time. They also traveled farther, crossed more time zones, and spent more hours in transit than their uninjured counterparts. These factors were not significant for players with hamstring injuries.
The study underscores the need for better match scheduling and travel management to mitigate injury risks. It highlights the role of fixture congestion and excessive travel in increasing susceptibility to ACL injuries and advocates for strategies such as mandatory rest periods and tailored recovery protocols. Implementing such measures could improve player welfare and reduce injury incidence in women's professional soccer.
Key Takeaways
ACL injuries were significantly associated with higher match congestion, characterized by less than five days of rest between games and reduced recovery time.
Players who sustained ACL injuries traveled farther and crossed more time zones, suggesting that international travel exacerbates injury risk.
Hamstring injuries were not significantly linked to match workload or travel, indicating distinct factors influencing different types of injuries.A summary of the research:
Authors: Steve den Hollander, Alex Culvin, Gino Kerkhoffs, Vincent Gouttebarge
You can read the entire article here.
