FastFact

Hamstring strength may not be a reliable predictor of readiness to return to play following hamstring injuries

Hamstring strength may not be a reliable predictor of readiness to return to play following hamstring injuries

2 comments
In elite soccer, muscle injuries represent 18% to 37% of all time-loss injuries and hamstring injuries have become the most common single injury. This paper investigates the utility of one of the most commonly used measures to guide return to play (RTP), muscle strength1. Hamstring strength is generally considered to be an important criterion when [...]
Pre-competition cardiac assessments do not identify all players at risk

Pre-competition cardiac assessments do not identify all players at risk

4 comments
The purpose of a pre-competition cardiac assessment is to detect cardiovascular disease at an early stage and to prevent sudden cardiac arrests and deaths. There is currently limited data on the cardiovascular outcomes for players classified as ‘being normal’ during this assessment. The objective of the paper included in this FastFact was to identify cardiovascular [...]
What is the risk of ACL injury while playing football?

What is the risk of ACL injury while playing football?

3 comments
ACL injuries are common, serious and can be career-threatening for football players. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated twenty-eight studies of ACL injuries in male and female players and attempted to quantify the risk of ACL injuries for players of different genders and participation levels1. The results of the analysis showed that the incidence proportion [...]
Does blood flow restriction training improve outcomes after ACL reconstruction?

Does blood flow restriction training improve outcomes after ACL reconstruction?

13 comments
It is well accepted that the main aim of an ACL reconstruction (ACLR) rehabilitation programme is to return patients to their pre-injury level of function with the lowest risk of re-injury. Post-surgery, players will usually experience a significant loss of lower limb strength due to muscle atrophy and inhibition mechanisms. This FastFact highlights a blinded, [...]
High risk of further ACL injury for players that return to football after ACL reconstruction

High risk of further ACL injury for players that return to football after ACL reconstruction

7 comments
For football players sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture reconstructive surgery is often performed to restore knee stability and allow a return to football. This FastFact highlights a ten-year follow up of ACL reconstructed football players and investigates the ability to return to football and risk of further ACL injuries1. The aim of the [...]
Bio-banding competition may help develop technical skills in youth football players

Bio-banding competition may help develop technical skills in youth football players

2 comments
There is a large variation in physical maturity in youth athletes undergoing puberty. Traditionally youth athletes have been divided by age and body mass in order to minimise injury risk, however this can disadvantage the less physically mature athletes. Early physically developing players can be preferentially selected, overlooking potential technical skills in other players. Bio-banding [...]
Professional athletes are at higher risk of septic arthritis after ACL reconstruction

Professional athletes are at higher risk of septic arthritis after ACL reconstruction

3 comments
Septic arthritis (SA) following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is a rare (0.14% to 2.6%) but potentially devastating complication. Professional athletes have previously been reported to be at increased risk of septic arthritis after ACLR when compared to non-professionals, but the literature has been conflicting. The main reason for this lack of agreement has been [...]
More training sessions before returning to play reduces the risk of re-injury

More training sessions before returning to play reduces the risk of re-injury

6 comments
Re-injuries are a frequent frustration in professional football. This study from the Football Research Group (and featuring an author from the Aspetar FMCE) has shown an association between the number of training sessions completed before returning to play and re-injury1. It appears that delaying a return to competition, to allow more training, might help reduce [...]
Plantar loading and risk of fifth metatarsal stress fractures in elite football players

Plantar loading and risk of fifth metatarsal stress fractures in elite football players

1 comment
Fifth metatarsal stress fractures are potentially career-ending injuries for professional football players and are therefore considered high-risk stress fractures. The reported incidence of this injury among football players is relatively high, while the average absence from football is between three to five months. This FastFact investigates possible risk factors for the development of this injury [...]