Uncovering injuries in Brazilian elite women's football: A prospective cohort study
A summary of the article:
The article "Uncovering Injuries in Brazilian Elite Women's Football: A Prospective Cohort Study" investigates the incidence and types of injuries sustained by female football players in Brazil's top-tier football league. Over the course of the 2022 season, 133 players from four elite clubs were tracked for both training and match-related injuries. The study found that 47% of players sustained time-loss injuries, with an average of 0.8 injuries per player. The overall injury rate was 5.0 per 1,000 hours of exposure, with match injuries occurring at a significantly higher rate than training injuries. The most common injuries involved the knee and thigh (29% each), followed by the ankle (17%) and hip/groin (13%). Ankle sprains, hamstring strains, and ACL injuries accounted for over one-third of the total injuries.
The study emphasizes the need for targeted injury prevention strategies, particularly addressing ankle and knee sprains, as well as muscle strains. It also highlights the importance of early injury management and effective rehabilitation, noting that 18% of injuries were re-injuries, with 40% of these occurring within two months of the initial injury. This research offers valuable insights into the injury risks in Brazilian women's football and serves as a foundation for developing preventive measures to enhance player safety and reduce injury rates.
Key Takeaways:
High injury incidence during matches: Match injuries occurred at a rate of 15.9 per 1,000 hours, much higher than training injuries, emphasizing the need for match-specific prevention programs.
Knee, thigh, and ankle injuries dominate: These areas accounted for the majority of injuries, with hamstring strains and ACL tears being particularly prevalent.
Re-injury is a significant concern: 18% of injuries were re-injuries, many occurring within two months, underscoring the importance of proper rehabilitation and prevention strategies.
Authors: Gabriela Bissani Gasparin, Letícia Oscar Ribas, Hebert Nunes Flores, Gabriela Breder de Barros Bueno, Luana Vrkoslaw, Natalia Franco, Netto Bittencourt, Bruno Manfredini Baroni
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