The role of pre-season health characteristics as injury risk factors in female adolescent soccer players (original) (raw)

Epidemiologic Assessment of Concussions in an NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Team

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine

Background: Among collegiate sports, ice hockey and wrestling have been reported to have the highest rates of concussion injury. Recent literature has shown that among all sports, female soccer players had the highest rate of concussion injury at the high school level. Sport-specific analysis will increase our knowledge of epidemiologic characteristics of this serious injury in young soccer players, where “heading” is commonly involved during participation. Hypothesis: Heading during soccer will be associated with increased frequency of concussion injury in collegiate female players compared with other mechanisms of injury, and concussion injury mechanism and rates will differ by setting of injury (practice or match) and player position. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiologic study. Methods: This was a retrospective review and epidemiologic analysis of all concussions documented from a single National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I female collegiate soccer team b...

Multifactorial examination of sex-differences in head injuries and concussions among collegiate soccer players: NCAA ISS, 2004–2009

Injury Epidemiology

Background: While head injuries and concussions are major concerns among soccer players, the multifactorial nature of head injury observations in this group remains relatively undefined. We aim to extend previous analyses and examine sex-differences in the incidence of head injuries, odds of head injuries within an injured sample, and severity of head injuries, among collegiate soccer players between 2004 and 2009. Methods: Data collected within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Injury Surveillance System (ISS) between the years of 2004 and 2009, were analyzed in this study. Unadjusted rate ratios (RR), compared incidence rates between categories of sex, injury mechanism, setting and competition level. We also examined sex-differences in head injury incidence rates, across categories of the other covariates. Multivariable logistic regression and negative binomial regression modeling tested the relation between sex and head injury corollaries, while controlling for contact, setting, and competition level. Results: Between 2004 and 2009, head injuries accounted for approximately 11% of all soccer-related injuries reported within the NCAA-ISS. The rate of head injuries among women was higher than among men (RR = 1.23, 95% CI = [1.08, 1.41]). The rate of head injuries due to player-to-player contact was comparable between women and men (RR = 0.95, 95% CI = [0.81, 1.11]). Whereas, the rate of injury due to contact with apparatus (ball/goal) was nearly 2.5 times higher (RR = 2.46, 95% CI = [1.76, 3.44]) and the rate due to contact with a playing surface was over two times higher (RR = 2.29, 95% CI = [1.34, 3.91]) in women than in men. In our multifactorial models, we also observed that the association between sex and head injury corollaries varied by injury mechanism. Conclusions: Sex-differences in the incidence, odds (given an injury), and severity (concussion diagnosis, time-loss) of head injuries varied by injury mechanism (player-to-player contact vs. all other mechanisms) in this sample.

Investigating Effects of Sex Differences and Prior Concussions on Symptom Reporting and Cognition Among Adolescent Soccer Players

The American journal of sports medicine, 2018

There has been increasing concern regarding the possible effect of multiple concussions on the developing brain, especially for adolescent females. Hypothesis/Purpose: The objectives were to determine if there are differences in cognitive functioning, symptom reporting, and/or sex effects from prior concussions. In a very large sample of youth soccer players, it was hypothesized that (1) there would be no differences in cognitive test performance between those with and without prior concussions, (2) baseline preseason symptoms would be better predicted by noninjury factors than concussion history, and (3) males and females with prior concussions would not have differences in cognition or symptoms. Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Participants included 9314 youth soccer players (mean = 14.8 years, SD = 1.2) who completed preseason baseline cognitive testing, symptom reporting, and a health/injury history questionnaire from the ImPACT battery (Immediate Post-concussion Ass...

Study protocol for a prospective cohort study identifying risk factors for sport injury in adolescent female football players: the Karolinska football Injury Cohort (KIC)

BMJ Open, 2022

IntroductionFootball is a popular sport among young females worldwide, but studies concerning injuries in female players are scarce compared with male players. The aim of this study is to identify risk factors for injury in adolescent female football players.Methods and analysisThe Karolinska football Injury Cohort (KIC) is an ongoing longitudinal study that will include approximately 400 female football academy players 12–19 years old in Sweden. A detailed questionnaire regarding demographics, health status, lifestyle, stress, socioeconomic factors, psychosocial factors and various football-related factors are completed at baseline and after 1 year. Clinical tests measuring strength, mobility, neuromuscular control of the lower extremity, trunk and neck are carried out at baseline. Players are followed prospectively with weekly emails regarding exposure to football and other physical activity, health issues (such as stress, recovery, etc), pain, performance and injuries via the Osl...

High Injury Incidence in Adolescent Female Soccer

2014

Background: Previous studies report varying rates of time-loss injuries in adolescent female soccer, ranging from 2.4 to 5.3 per 1000 athlete-exposures or 2.5 to 3.7 per 1000 hours of exposure. However, these studies collected data using traditional injury reports from coaches or medical staff, with methods that significantly underestimate injury rates compared with players' self-reports.

The Impact of the FIFA 11+ on the Structure of the Abdominal, Lumbar Paravertebral, Lateral Hip and Vastus Mediallis Obliquus Muscles in Adolescent Female Soccer Players

Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine

Objectives: To evaluate differences in baseline measures of cervical flexor endurance (CFE), walking while talking (WWTT) and computerized dynamic visual acuity (cDVA) in elite youth ice hockey players who do and do not report a previous history of concussion. Study Design: Cross-sectional. Subjects: Five hundred thirty-two Bantam (12-14 years) and Midget (15-17 years) ice hockey players. Intervention/Observation Technique: Participants completed baseline clinical tests at the beginning of the 2011-2012 season. Outcome Measures: Preseason tests of CFE, WWTT, and cDVA (2011-2012 hockey season). Results: Multivariate linear regression, adjusted for cluster, age group, and sex was used to estimate mean differences in clinical measurement scores by concussion history (yes/no). There was no evidence of a difference in CFE score or cDVA scores at 85 degrees per second. The mean time to complete WWTT complex compared to self-selected walking speed in midget females reporting a previous concussion was 3.10 seconds higher (95% CI, 1.40-4.79) than in midget females not reporting a previous concussion. Players with previous concussion had significantly lower cDVA score at 120 degrees per second than players without a previous concussion [cDVA left = -0.033 logMAR (95% CI, -0.064 to -0.0019); Bantam players cDVA right =-0.062 logMAR (95% CI,-0.12 to -0.004)]. Conclusion: Tasks of divided attention decreased mean self-selected walking speed more in midget females with a previous history of concussion compared to those without. Computerized dynamic visual acuity at 120 degrees per second was lower in players with a previous history of concussion. These findings allow a further understanding of clinical alterations that may persist following a concussion. Future research to understand the implications of these findings from an injury prevention standpoint are warranted. Objectives: To evaluate clinical measures of cervical flexor endurance (CFE) and cervical spine isometric strength as risk factors for concussion in elite youth ice hockey players. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Subjects: Five hundred forty Bantam (12-14 years) and Midget (15-17 years) ice hockey players. Intervention/Observation Technique: Participants completed baseline clinical tests at the beginning of the 2011-2012 season. A previously validated prospective injury surveillance system was used to measure exposure hours and concussion injuries during the season of play. Outcome Measures: Preseason tests of CFE and cervical spine strength (2011-2012 hockey season), concussion (diagnosed as per the 3 rd International Consensus on Concussion in Sport Guidelines). Results: Four hundred sixty-six elite youth ice hockey players completed clinical baseline tests at the start of the 2011-2012 hockey season. Geometric mean CFE test score was 40.93 seconds (95% CI, 38.52-43.49). Mean cervical spine isometric strength for side flexion in a right rotated position was 10.13 lbs (95% CI,, and in a left rotated position was 9.81 lbs (95% CI, 9.59-10.03). Participants ranking in the lowest 25 th percentile for measures of cervical strength and endurance were not at an increased risk of concussion during the season of play that followed. Conclusion: Risk of concussion during the season did not differ in individuals who were in the lower 25 th percentile for clinical tests of CFE and isometric cervical strength compared to those who were not. Further evaluation of other baseline clinical tests as risk factors, including dynamic measures, will assist in understanding factors that may be associated with an increased risk of concussion.

The Women’s Soccer Health Study: From Head to Toe

Sports Medicine

Objectives Women are under-represented in the sports literature despite increasing rates of sports participation. Our objective was to investigate the risks and benefits of an elite women's soccer career in five health domains: general, musculoskeletal, reproductive endocrinology, post-concussion, and mental. Methods An online survey was distributed to retired US college, semi-professional, professional, and national team soccer players using personal networks, email, and social media. Short validated questionnaires were used to evaluate the health domains, including the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE), Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS), and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). Results A total of 560 eligible players responded to the survey over a 1-year period. The highest competitive levels were 73% college, 16% semi-professional, 8% professional, and 4% national team. The mean number of years since retirement was 12 (SD = 9), and 17.0% retired for involuntary reasons. The mean SANE scores (0-100 scale as percentage of normal) were knee = 75% (SD = 23), hip = 83% (SD = 23), and shoulder = 87% (SD = 21). The majority (63%) reported that their current activity level included participation in impact sports. A substantial proportion of players reported menstrual irregularities during their careers: 40% had fewer periods with increasing exercise and 22% had no periods for ≥ 3 months. The players (n = 44) who felt that post-concussion symptoms were due to soccer reported more time-loss concussions (F[2] = 6.80, p = 0.002) and symptom severity (F[2] = 30.26, p < 0.0001). Players who recently retired (0-5 years) reported the highest anxiety/depression scores and lowest satisfaction rates compared with those who retired 19+ years ago. Conclusion Health concerns include musculoskeletal injuries, post-concussion symptoms, and lower mental health in the early years following retirement. This comprehensive survey provides initial results that will lay the foundation for further analyses and prioritize research studies that can help all female athletes.

The Role of the Results of Functional Tests and Psychological Factors on Prediction of Injuries in Adolescent Female Football Players

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021

Football is a popular sport among adolescent females. Given the rate of injuries in female footballers, identifying factors that can predict injuries are important. These injuries are often caused by complex reasons. The aim of this study was to investigate if the combination of demographic (age, number of training and match play hours/week), psychosocial (perceived stress, adaptive coping strategies) and physiological factors (functional performance) can predict a traumatic injury in adolescent female footballers. A cohort consisting of 419 female football players aged 13–16 years was established. Baseline questionnaires covered potential risk factors for sport injuries, and measurements included football-related functional performance tests. Data were collected prospectively with a weekly online questionnaire for 52 weeks covering, e.g., injuries, training, and match play hours/week. A total of 62% of the players reported at least one traumatic injury during the 52 weeks. The copi...

The Impact of Rule Changes and Legislation on the Incidence of Concussion in High School Soccer

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 2020

Background: There is much concern over the incidence of concussion in high school sports, with a growing focus on soccer, necessitating the need for legislation and formal rule changes for safety reasons. Objective: To note differences in concussive injury between boys and girls soccer and determine the change in reported concussion rates from 2011 vs. 2017 in order to study the impact of legislation and rule changes on the rates of concussion in high school soccer in the state of New Jersey. Design: Comparative Study Methods: Licensed athletic trainers working in the secondary school setting in the state of New Jersey voluntarily participated in an online survey on the incidence of concussion in boys and girls soccer. This de-identified data was compared with data collected from a similar survey conducted in 2011. Results: In 2017 there were 168 concussions occurred among 3255 male soccer athletes. Eight-five percent of concussions (145/168) occurred during games, with the remainde...

The 2015 U.S. Soccer Federation header ban and its effect on emergency room concussion rates in soccer players aged 10-13

The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 2020

Background In 2015, the U.S. Soccer Federation banned heading for players aged 10-13. Purpose/Question To assess the change in proportion of children aged 10-13 playing soccer in the US presenting to an Emergency Department (ED) with a concussion in relation to any other injury before and after the ban. Methods Analysis was restricted to soccer athletes between 10-13 years that reported to a National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) participating hospital ED following injury in 2013-2014 and 2016-2017. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the association between year of injury and concussion diagnosis in relation to other injury diagnosis after adjusting for age, sex, and ethnicity. Results Concussion in relation to other injuries showed a significant increase in 2016-2017 when compared to 2013-2014 after adjustment (OR= 1.286, 95%CI = 1.090-1.517). Conclusions These results suggest that banning heading may not reduce concussion within this populati...