As previous literature updates, I have performed a PubCrawler search looking for football articles in NCBI Medline (PubMed) and GenBank databases.

Following studies were retrieved for this week:

1 Assessing Variations in Positional Performance across Age Groups and during Matches in Youth Association Football Competitions

Reference: Sensors (Basel). 2024 Jul 13;24(14):4536. doi: 10.3390/s24144536.
Authors: Quanchen Liu, Zhuhang Huang, Diogo Coutinho, Xiaobin Wei, Tao An, Bruno Gonçalves
Download link: https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/24/14/4536
Summary: This study aimed to explore how positional performance varies across different youth age groups and during matches in football competitions. The study encompassed 160 male outfield youth football players (n = 80, under-13, U13; n = 80, under-15, U15) who belonged to the starting line-up and played the entire first half of each match. The players‘ positional data were gathered through the global positional system for each of the eight matches performed by each age group. The frequency of near-in-phase synchronization based on speed displacements, spatial exploration index, and the distance to the nearest teammate and opponent were used as variables. Additionally, each match half was segmented into three equal parts to assess changes over time and used as a period factor along with age group. The results indicated that U13 players showed a significant decrease (from small to large ES) in synchronization speed and spatial exploration index throughout the first half of the match, along with a decrease in the distance to the nearest opponent. In contrast, U15 players exhibited most changes during the third segment of the half, with a decrease in speed synchronization and spatial exploration, but an increase in the distance and regularity to the nearest opponent. Comparing both age groups revealed significant differences in speed synchronization across the entire half of the match and within each segmented period (from small to large ES), with U13 consistently showing higher values. The study highlights that long durations in 11 vs. 11 matches might not provide an appropriate learning environment in the U13 age group. Conversely, the U15 group displayed better capacity for tactical adjustments over time, suggesting a higher level of tactical maturity. Overall, these findings emphasize the importance of adapting youth football training and competition structures to the developmental needs and capabilities of different age groups to optimize learning and performance outcomes.

2 Analyzing Key Factors on Training Days within a Standard Microcycle for Young Sub-Elite Football Players: A Principal Component Approach

Reference: Sports (Basel). 2024 Jul 16;12(7):194. doi: 10.3390/sports12070194.
Authors: José Eduardo Teixeira, Luís Branquinho, Ricardo Ferraz, Ryland Morgans, Samuel Encarnação, Joana Ribeiro, Pedro Afonso, Nemat Ruzmetov, Tiago M Barbosa, António M Monteiro, Pedro Forte
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11280859/pdf/sports-12-00194.pdf
Summary: Utilizing techniques for reducing multivariate data is essential for comprehensively understanding the variations and relationships within both biomechanical and physiological datasets in the context of youth football training. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the primary factors influencing training sessions within a standard microcycle among young sub-elite football players. A total of 60 male Portuguese youth sub-elite footballers (15.19 ± 1.75 years) were continuous monitored across six weeks during the 2019-2020 in-season, comprising the training days from match day minus (MD-) 3, MD-2, and MD-1. The weekly training load was collected by an 18 Hz global positioning system (GPS), 1 Hz heart rate (HR) monitors, the perceived exertion (RPE) and the total quality recovery (TQR). A principal component approach (PCA) coupled with a Monte Carlo parallel analysis was applied to the training datasets. The training datasets were condensed into three to five principal components, explaining between 37.0% and 83.5% of the explained variance (proportion and cumulative) according to the training day (p < 0.001). Notably, the eigenvalue for this study ranged from 1.20% to 5.21% within the overall training data. The PCA analysis of the standard microcycle in youth sub-elite football identified that, across MD-3, MD-2, and MD-1, the first was dominated by the covered distances and sprinting variables, while the second component focused on HR measures and training impulse (TRIMP). For the weekly microcycle, the first component continued to emphasize distance and intensity variables, with the ACC and DEC being particularly influential, whereas the second and subsequent components included HR measures and perceived exertion. On the three training days analyzed, the first component primarily consisted of variables related to the distance covered, running speed, high metabolic load, sprinting, dynamic stress load, accelerations, and decelerations. The high intensity demands have a high relative weight throughout the standard microcycle, which means that the training load needs to be carefully monitored and managed.

3 The Effects of Motor Imagery on Static and Dynamic Balance and on the Fear of Re-Injury in Professional Football Players with Grade II Ankle Sprains

Reference: Healthcare (Basel). 2024 Jul 17;12(14):1432. doi: 10.3390/healthcare12141432.
Authors: George Plakoutsis, Elias Tsepis, Konstantinos Fousekis, Eleftherios Paraskevopoulos, Maria Papandreou
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11276660/pdf/healthcare-12-01432.pdf
Summary: Lateral ankle sprains are one of the most frequent athletic injuries in football, causing deficits in balance. Motor Imagery (MI) has been successively included in sports rehabilitation as a complementary therapeutic intervention. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of MI on static and dynamic balance and on the fear of re-injury in professional football players with Grade II ankle sprains. Fifty-eight participants were randomly allocated into two groups: First-MI group (n = 29) and second-Placebo group (n = 29), and they each received six intervention sessions. The first MI group received MI guidance in addition to the balance training program, while the second Placebo group received only relaxation guidance. One-way ANOVA showed statistically significant results for all variables, both before and 4 weeks after the interventions for both groups. The t-test showed statistically significant differences between the two groups for static balance for the right lower extremity (t = 3.25, S (two-tailed) = 0.002, p < 0.05) and also for heart rate (final value) in all time phases. Further research is needed in order to establish MI interventions in sports trauma recovery using stronger MI treatments in combination with psychophysiological factors associated with sports rehabilitation.

4 An Improved Football Team Training Algorithm for Global Optimization

Reference: Biomimetics (Basel). 2024 Jul 8;9(7):419. doi: 10.3390/biomimetics9070419.
Authors: Jun Hou, Yuemei Cui, Ming Rong, Bo Jin
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11274895/pdf/biomimetics-09-00419.pdf
Summary: The football team training algorithm (FTTA) is a new metaheuristic algorithm that was proposed in 2024. The FTTA has better performance but faces challenges such as poor convergence accuracy and ease of falling into local optimality due to limitations such as referring too much to the optimal individual for updating and insufficient perturbation of the optimal agent. To address these concerns, this paper presents an improved football team training algorithm called IFTTA. To enhance the exploration ability in the collective training phase, this paper proposes the fitness distance-balanced collective training strategy. This enables the players to train more rationally in the collective training phase and balances the exploration and exploitation capabilities of the algorithm. To further perturb the optimal agent in FTTA, a non-monopoly extra training strategy is designed to enhance the ability to get rid of the local optimum. In addition, a population restart strategy is then designed to boost the convergence accuracy and population diversity of the algorithm. In this paper, we validate the performance of IFTTA and FTTA as well as six comparison algorithms in CEC2017 test suites. The experimental results show that IFTTA has strong optimization performance. Moreover, several engineering-constrained optimization problems confirm the potential of IFTTA to solve real-world optimization problems.

5 The effects of rule changes in football-code team sports: a systematic review

Reference: Sci Med Footb. 2024 Jul 25:1-14. doi: 10.1080/24733938.2024.2375752. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Gordon Rennie, Lucy Chesson, Dan Weaving, Ben Jones
Summary: Rule changes within football-code team sports aim to improve performance, enhance player welfare, increase competitiveness, and provide player development opportunities. This manuscript aimed to review research investigating the effects of rule changes in football-code team sports. A systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus) was performed to August 2023; keywords related to rule changes, football-code team sports, and activity type. Studies were excluded if they failed to investigate a football-code team sport, did not quantify the change of rule, or were review articles. Forty-six studies met the eligibility criteria. Four different football codes were reported: Australian rules football (n = 4), rugby league (n = 6), rugby union (n = 16), soccer (n = 20). The most common category was physical performance and match-play characteristics (n = 22). Evidence appears at a high risk of bias partly due to the quasi-experimental nature of included studies, which are inherently non-randomised, but also due to the lack of control for confounding factors within most studies included. Rule changes can result in unintended consequences to performance (e.g., longer breaks in play) and effect player behaviour (i.e., reduce tackler height in rugby) but might not achieve desired outcome (i.e., unchanged concussion incidence). Coaches and governing bodies should regularly and systematically investigate the effects of rule changes to understand their influence on performance and injury risk. It is imperative that future studies analysing rule changes within football codes account for confounding factors by implementing suitable study designs and statistical analysis techniques.

6 Match-to-Match Variation on High-Intensity Demands in a Portuguese Professional Football Team

Reference: J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2024 Jul 4;9(3):120. doi: 10.3390/jfmk9030120.
Authors: José E Teixeira, Luís Branquinho, Miguel Leal, Ryland Morgans, Andrew Sortwell, Tiago M Barbosa, António M Monteiro, Pedro Afonso, Guilherme Machado, Samuel Encarnação, Ricardo Ferraz, Pedro Forte
Download link: https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/9/3/120
Summary: The aim of this study was to analyze the match-to-match variation in high-intensity demands from one Portuguese professional football team according to playing positions. Twenty-three male outfield professional football players were observed during eighteen matches of the Portuguese Second League. Time-motion data were collected using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. Match running performance was analyzed based on the following three playing positions: defenders (DF), midfielders (MF), and forwards (FW). Repeated measures ANOVA was utilized to compare match running performance within each position role, and seasonal running variation. Practical differences were assessed using the smallest worthwhile change (SWC), coefficient of variation (CV), and twice the coefficient of variation (2CV). Significant differences were found among playing positions in total distance covered (F = 15.45, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.33), average speed (F = 12.79, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.29), high-speed running (F = 16.93, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.36), sprinting (F = 13.49, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.31), accelerations (F = 4.69, p = 0.001, η2 = 0.132), and decelerations (F = 12.21, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.284). The match-to-match running performance encompassed TD (6.59%), AvS (8.67%), HSRr (37.83%), SPR (34.82%), ACC (26.92%), and DEC (27.85%). CV values for total distance covered ranged from 4.87-6.82%, with forwards and midfielders exhibiting the greatest and smallest variation, respectively. Midfielders demonstrated the highest match-to-match variation for all other analyzed variables (8.12-69.17%). All playing positions showed significant variation in high-demanding variables (26.94-37.83%). This study presents the initial analysis of match-to-match variation in high-intensity demands within a Portuguese professional football team. Thus, the position’s specificity and context can provide a helpful strategy for evaluating match-to-match running performance, and for recommending individualized training exercises based on the peak and high-intensity demands for each player’s role within the game.

7 Data Mining Paths for Standard Weekly Training Load in Sub-Elite Young Football Players: A Machine Learning Approach

Reference: J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2024 Jun 28;9(3):114. doi: 10.3390/jfmk9030114.
Authors: José E Teixeira, Samuel Encarnação, Luís Branquinho, Ryland Morgans, Pedro Afonso, João Rocha, Francisco Graça, Tiago M Barbosa, António M Monteiro, Ricardo Ferraz, Pedro Forte
Download link: https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/9/3/114
Summary: The aim of this study was to test a machine learning (ML) model to predict high-intensity actions and body impacts during youth football training. Sixty under-15, -17, and -19 sub-elite Portuguese football players were monitored over a 6-week period. External training load data were collected from the target variables of accelerations (ACCs), decelerations (DECs), and dynamic stress load (DSL) using an 18 Hz global positioning system (GPS). Additionally, we monitored the perceived exertion and biological characteristics using total quality recovery (TQR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), session RPE (sRPE), chronological age, maturation offset (MO), and age at peak height velocity (APHV). The ML model was computed by a feature selection process with a linear regression forecast and bootstrap method. The predictive analysis revealed that the players‘ MO demonstrated varying degrees of effectiveness in predicting their DEC and ACC across different ranges of IQR. After predictive analysis, the following performance values were observed: DEC (x¯predicted = 41, β = 3.24, intercept = 37.0), lower IQR (IQRpredicted = 36.6, β = 3.24, intercept = 37.0), and upper IQR (IQRpredicted = 46 decelerations, β = 3.24, intercept = 37.0). The player’s MO also demonstrated the ability to predict their upper IQR (IQRpredicted = 51, β = 3.8, intercept = 40.62), lower IQR (IQRpredicted = 40, β = 3.8, intercept = 40.62), and ACC (x¯predicted = 46 accelerations, β = 3.8, intercept = 40.62). The ML model showed poor performance in predicting the players‘ ACC and DEC using MO (MSE = 2.47-4.76; RMSE = 1.57-2.18: R2 = -0.78-0.02). Maturational concerns are prevalent in football performance and should be regularly checked, as the current ML model treated MO as the sole variable for ACC, DEC, and DSL. Applying ML models to assess automated tracking data can be an effective strategy, particularly in the context of forecasting peak ACC, DEC, and bodily effects in sub-elite youth football training.

8 Expected Pass Turnovers (xPT) – a model to analyse turnovers from passing events in football

Reference: J Sports Sci. 2024 Jul 22:1-9. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2024.2379697. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Andrew J Peters, Nimai Parmar, Michael Davies, Matt Reeves, Mladen Sormaz, Nic James
Summary: The aim of this study was to create a novel metric, Expected Pass Turnovers (xPT), that could evaluate possession retention from player-passing events in football. Event and positional data were analysed from all 380 matches in the 2020/21 English Premier League season, which encompassed 256,433 passes in the final dataset. A logistic mixed-effects model was implemented to attribute the probability of each pass getting turned over. The use of positional data enabled the identification of a) opposition players present in radii surrounding the ball carrier and b) availability of teammates with respect to the ball carrier. The addition of these positional features improved the accuracy (+6.1 AUC Score) of the model. xPT serves as a practitioner Key Performance Indicator, as analysts can identify players that lose possession more often or not than expected, given the situational context of each pass, from game to game. Future work may include modelling the turnover probability of dribble and carry actions, as this would lead to a more comprehensive understanding of turnover events in football.

9 Flywheel resistance training in football: a useful rehabilitation tool for practitioners

Reference: Front Sports Act Living. 2024 Jul 5:6:1434995. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1434995. eCollection 2024.
Authors: Paolo Perna, Kevin L de Keijzer, Marco Beato
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11257893/pdf/fspor-06-1434995.pdf

10 Long-term effects of a lifestyle modification program for men with obesity delivered in German football clubs

Reference: Clin Obes. 2024 Jul 21:e12696. doi: 10.1111/cob.12696. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Benjamin Pietsch, Michelle Manske, Reiner Hanewinkel, Hanna Kaduszkiewicz, Matthis Morgenstern
Summary: This study examined the long-term effects of a lifestyle modification program delivered at German Bundesliga football clubs. Weekly 90-minute group sessions over 12 weeks combined health education and physical activity and were delivered by coaches affiliated with the football clubs. A total of 371 men (mean age 49.7 years [SD = 7.6]) attended 41 classes at 19 clubs in 2017 and 2018 and participated in the long-term follow-up. Primary outcome was weight-loss at follow-up with a mean observation period of 20.4 months after baseline. Measures were taken partly by research staff and partly by participants themselves. At baseline, the men had a mean weight of 111.3 kg (SD = 16.9). Three months after baseline (posttest), the men had lost a mean of 6.3 kg (95% CI: 5.7-6.9). From posttest to follow-up, growth curve model showed men lost an average of 0.8 kg (95% CI: 0.2-1.4). Weight regain from posttest to follow-up of at least 3% was observed in 75 participants (20.2%) and was associated with less improvement in vegetable consumption in an adjusted logistic regression model. The data suggest that participation in a male-only lifestyle modification program offered by German football clubs may lead to sustained weight loss, but lack of a randomized control group and drop-outs prevent generalization of the results.

11 Normal hip strength and range of motion values in youth and adult female national football teams: Data from 504 assessments

Reference: Phys Ther Sport. 2024 Jul 3:69:51-58. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2024.06.005. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Willem M P Heijboer, Karin M Thijs, Adam Weir, Andreas Serner, Johannes L Tol, Edwin A Goedhart, Floor P Groot
Download link: https://pdf.sciencedirectassets.com/272404/1-s2.0-S1466853X24X0005X/1-s2.0-S1466853X24000671/main.pdf?X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEFYaCXVzLWVhc3QtMSJHMEUCIQC%2FmRPndAojZj3m3oC4gPLKw3RTAPTtPd3ofBfVpnso1gIgfk1YDh%2FJWhE7s5QI3YuCEC0et7qqILEXPPyoNNuzSW8qswUIPxAFGgwwNTkwMDM1NDY4NjUiDN%2BpSSgXdVMREeXGZiqQBfqE70A5aAKa4IPBuW6URVz7HB8c0Lge7xA%2FrceYlnBlRho58w9BU%2Bo6LzXkAvS8MLLCR3owDHlDcUMdqK0NweFyCQ3LxFWL08Sk5bbujCS6h6WJS9A2HCMiJzs9zcjxOAU7oZDeizAupojGC3%2BK2vKVt0oXdgRKYSe3ttgR1gWIDNWWwZCxbTj%2BmSfTTLgmPUAYmN1rF2brffab3SwM0mXzo9oG7fy57ZYrzDEYtvPIIde3TIxt3Kty2gFAnEJn%2Fi6%2FxUs44HKO6QR6IsfkWE2kVD8AEnPpXkePBG9ltdPgzYZdzEmBTJ04sdh7dw9hmL0ZEKOsOLtjmYUz79oqZ4JcIZ3UUqqWKkFT2zVGBpYsbgi6GCE4SBHLRz0Bn3Qr69QvOp8ZzG0bp0TLA9zAV13EMHVXt2B65kGylVRQNyvgQFQysrP8ntm9bWvxZKvyhnCec%2Fgm8ElfqPhjsdJty0F5jq3ujTUIGOVBAyr9EnNCbfnX2eRK7OrzF%2FOk3ZEfRj4RaHUGYKjAj3vMbC8BBqvktS%2BtIWdJ9MeVguqMlDJGW4CPjrNHFoN%2BTnByqr4fVfKiv8dzSCDMbLiI1QFWEhM0hQ3ThLEfV7ngEWwiR5PdlbqbcnvmcByZC8v8hyAn8dxHKFAmqbPkk2HLxR6z0X9%2FjcJFQjxKiE53q%2Bc1bIz3jvMaDKV27lii24B16ymC34dpSD4HZAaFWtei%2BuNsbStMF9mHapXRUb52WewpQcMkGgOMW5RtT2Z%2B6ZrVklWGCUhXVO477Gofz1b4CMOi84xqb1x5ECSCOJsuDc9KX0DEY%2BMxNhyTV7%2FXjxsiyZmdX35xhLM8U1ikdwt5oQAuC9VSsJWwL9S63vLuXF19SABkMLL3obUGOrEBwaunVCTrU%2BG7RG0IDZrM0WWUD3utkoPYzuRh2L%2FAkIdNvWF0tFdtgQHJNFWsr8Fb4jb35DKr5W2o0jZf8pcmzVw1Tj9vGAnbY9GaBkyxet0X3oMB10o%2Bd55rYxPYxaCKfTYK2mjq%2BQGPjM9ZQ49tSBIfD8j%2B7mhzzBpTi3mB%2FuxVskasnkGMH3CqF%2Bejz5%2BDGiMi%2B84%2FWE7PmfmPRftIWeQ7WbFJ%2BjqiN%2FX75gQYFRXR&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Date=20240730T070626Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=300&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAQ3PHCVTY533563HW%2F20240730%2Fus-east-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Signature=263fb1ebca94f6dc131fee95509d6ab06c763058446de112f45b35a2f45fd957&hash=fe94550ab1ae0de0cf4d99230193406ca1048eb3e767fb27d0f227460e694a2f&host=68042c943591013ac2b2430a89b270f6af2c76d8dfd086a07176afe7c76c2c61&pii=S1466853X24000671&tid=spdf-ad49edd3-e3fe-4830-ba7a-b7a22443f875&sid=373be6ba9c7966495c5ad818f1680863b945gxrqb&type=client&tsoh=d3d3LnNjaWVuY2VkaXJlY3QuY29t&ua=08035e0602565e505804&rr=8ab3818a0d119712&cc=nl
Summary: The aim was to determine normal hip adduction- and abduction strength and range of motion (ROM) values for youth and adult female national team football players, and evaluate if increasing age, playing position and leg dominance were associated with these strength and ROM values. 344 unique asymptomatic female football players participated in this study. Hip internal/external rotation (°), Bent Knee Fall Out test (cm), hip adduction/abduction strength(N) and ratio, and normalised hip adduction/abduction torque (Nm/kg) were used as dependent variables. A total of 504 assessments were performed. A total of 107 players underwent two (n = 67), three (n = 27) or four (n = 13) assessments. Mean peak hip adduction strength was 39% greater in 20 + Y old players 170 (±53 N) than in 13Y old players 122 (±28 N). Normalised hip adduction torque was 9% greater: 2.5 (±0.8Nm/kg) versus 2.3 (±0.5Nm/kg). A positive association between age and all strength measurements was found, while a negative association between age and hip external rotation and total hip rotation was found. No clinically relevant differences were found for the associations between playing position, leg dominance and hip strength- and ROM values. Normal values for hip strength and range of motion in youth and adult female national football players are presented that can be used as clinical reference values.

12 Interindividual differences in physical function and their impact on regular player selection among junior high school soccer athletes

Reference: J Phys Ther Sci. 2024 Aug;36(8):411-414. doi: 10.1589/jpts.36.411. Epub 2024 Aug 1.
Authors: Chiaki Matsumoto, Masahiro Ishizaka, Tatsuya Igawa, Masafumi Itokazu, Hiroto Takahashi
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11290864/pdf/jpts-36-411.pdf
Summary: Unlike professional teams that use comprehensive evaluations, player selection in local and school-level soccer teams relies on the coaches‘ practical experience. This study investigated the differences in physical function between regular and non-regular male junior high school soccer players to provide valuable insights into player selection. We assessed grip strength, rebound jumps, muscle strength, agility, short-distance running, anaerobic power, and countermovement jumps in 55 Japanese junior high school boys, who were divided into regular (R) and non-regular (NR) groups. Moreover, the age, height, and weight of the groups were compared. The analysis revealed significant differences in countermovement jumps and anaerobic power, while accounting for age and physique. These results suggest that countermovement jumps and anaerobic power may constitute determining factors for regular and non-regular players, even when age and physical characteristics are considered.

14 Predicting the occurrence of in-season groin pain in male high school soccer players: a cohort study

Reference: J Phys Ther Sci. 2024 Aug;36(8):452-456. doi: 10.1589/jpts.36.452. Epub 2024 Aug 1.
Authors: Kazuki Fujisaki, Daiki Yokoyama, Masato Yokoyama, Tomohiro Otani, Kento Seino, Toby Hall, Kiyokazu Akasaka
Download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11290856/pdf/jpts-36-452.pdf
Summary: This study investigated whether pre-season HAGOS (Japanese Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Scores) and eccentric muscle strength of the hip muscles predict in-season groin pain incidences in high school soccer players. This study had a cohort design. The participants were male high school players under 18 years playing in the Japan Soccer League, which is an elite-level soccer league of that age category in Japan. The HAGOS and the strength of hip abductor and adductor muscles in eccentric contraction were measured before the season, and hip and groin pain incidences were recorded during the season. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the factors derived from the pre-season HAGOS and hip muscle strength tests, presumably pertaining to the development of in-season groin pain. The eccentric adductor muscle strength of the dominant leg and the HAGOS were selected as factors associated with groin pain during the season. Low pre-season HAGOS and weak dominant-leg eccentric adductor muscle strength were suggested as factors to predict in-season groin pain occurrence in male high school soccer players.

15 Meniscus Injuries in Soccer

Reference: Sports Med Arthrosc Rev. 2024 Sep 1;32(3):156-162. doi: 10.1097/JSA.0000000000000389. Epub 2024 Aug 1.
Authors: Andrew W Kuhn, Robert H Brophy
Summary: Soccer is considered the most popular sport in the world. The game involves frequent agile maneuvers, such as rapid accelerations/decelerations and pivoting, and carries an inherent risk of high-speed collisions, which can lead to lower extremity injury. Knee and meniscus injuries can cause significant pain and disability, precluding participation in the sport. Understanding the diagnosis and management of meniscal injuries in soccer players is essential to the care of these athletes. This paper reviews meniscal anatomy, biomechanics, and mechanisms of injury; discusses the work-up, diagnosis, and management of meniscus injuries; and reports on rehabilitation, return to sport, and outcomes after meniscal injuries in soccer players.

16 Patellofemoral Disorders in Soccer Players

Reference: Sports Med Arthrosc Rev. 2024 Sep 1;32(3):146-155.  doi: 10.1097/JSA.0000000000000390. Epub 2024 Aug 1.
Authors: Richard D J Smith, Madalyn Hanrahan, Annabel Gerber, Miho J Tanaka
Summary: Patellofemoral disorders are common in the world of soccer and impact players across all levels and ages of the sport. Patellofemoral disorders encompass a spectrum of conditions, from anterior knee pain to patellar instability, and are often influenced by complex biomechanical factors and anatomic variations that can predispose to these conditions. In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on injury prevention strategies and data-driven approaches, championed by organizations like the Union of European Football Associations and individual professional clubs. Conservative management remains the initial approach for many players, including physical therapy and supportive devices. However, surgical intervention, particularly in cases of recurrent patellar dislocations, is often necessary. The understanding of patellofemoral biomechanics in soccer continues to evolve and offers opportunities for more effective injury prevention and tailored treatment strategies. Despite the challenges, a comprehensive approach to patellofemoral disorders in soccer is essential to preserve player health, enhance performance, and sustain the sport’s vitality.

17 Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears in Soccer Players

Reference: Sports Med Arthrosc Rev. 2024 Sep 1;32(3):138-145. doi: 10.1097/JSA.0000000000000391. Epub 2024 Aug 1.
Authors: Adam J Tagliero, Mark D Miller
Summary: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries to soccer players present unique challenges in sports medicine, given the sport’s global prevalence and intricate injury dynamics. These injuries, especially in the youth and female demographic, have become a substantial concern in sports medicine. This review explores the epidemiology, mechanism of injury, diagnostic procedures, treatment modalities, and rehabilitation strategies related to ACL tears within the soccer community. Progress in diagnostics, treatments, and rehabilitation underscores the importance of evidence-based approaches. As soccer continues its ascent in popularity, addressing the specific risks and nuances of ACL injuries in this context remains of paramount significance.

18 Guide to Muscular Injuries and Common Ligamentous Injuries Among Soccer Players

Reference: Sports Med Arthrosc Rev. 2024 Sep 1;32(3):131-137. doi: 10.1097/JSA.0000000000000411. Epub 2024 Aug 1.
Authors: Sreeram Ravi, Kelly Dopke, Micah Richardson, Sohrab Vatsia, Scott Lynch
Summary: With over 250 million players worldwide, soccer is the most popular sport in the world. The overall number of players at professional, amateur, and recreational levels has increased along with an increase in player diversity, including age and sex. These increases in player numbers, as well as a variety of demographics, have resulted in an increase in soccer-related injuries. Injury in the professional setting can lead to time off the field and an effect on team results and earnings. Injury at the amateur and recreational levels can lead to time off work, away from other activities, and change in activities of daily living. We provide an extensive list of common injuries sustained by soccer players, their pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and general guidelines on return to play.

19 Concussions in Soccer

Reference: Sports Med Arthrosc Rev. 2024 Sep 1;32(3):125-130. doi: 10.1097/JSA.0000000000000403. Epub 2024 Aug 1.
Authors: Luke Jordan, Joseph Andrie
Summary: The identification, management, and prevention of concussion across all competitive sports and athletic populations has been a notable topic of research over the last decade. Soccer is no exception, with over a billion participants worldwide. In soccer, 3 distinct subsets of head injuries are often the contributors to concussion: head-to-equipment, head-to-surface, and head-to-player collisions. Recognition of concussion is crucial, and ideally made on the sideline during competitive play. Recently updated screening tools include the SCAT6 and ChildSCAT6, which are widely utilized at all levels of play. Management of concussion is divided into on-field and in clinic management. Initial management includes removal from the field of play. There is increased emphasis on earlier incorporation of exercise prescription as a means to improve recovery in the concussed athlete. While few objective diagnostic tests exist to identify concussion, many are in development, most notably advanced imaging and biomarker modalities.

20 Femoroacetabular Impingement and Groin Injuries Among Soccer Players

Reference: Sports Med Arthrosc Rev. 2024 Sep 1;32(3):120-124. doi: 10.1097/JSA.0000000000000394. Epub 2024 Aug 1.
Authors: Morgan Nickerson, Paul Herickhoff
Summary: Groin injuries and femoroacetabular impingement are common among soccer players and can provide a challenge in diagnosis, as well as treatment. Nonoperative and operative measures are the 2 predominant treatments. This current review investigates the recent literature on groin and femoroacetabular impingement injuries in soccer players, as well as potential treatment modalities.