Finns preventiva strategier mot muskelskada i lårets baksida hos fotbollsspelare i allsvenskan?
En enkätstudie
AimThe aim of this study was to investigate if the Swedish elite soccer teams, both males and females, have preventive strategies to reduce the risk of muscular injuries in the posterior thigh.MethodA survey was created and sent by mail to all (n=28) Swedish elite soccer teams in allsvenskan (both males and females) to be answered by the head of physical exercise within each team. A pilot study regarding the survey was performed by two soccer coaches on elite level and was revised afterwards. The survey was conducted between May through July 2013. In total, 18 soccer teams participated in this survey.Results10 soccer teams did not respond to the survey, which resulted in a drop out of 36%. Preventive strategies to reduce the risk of muscular injuries in the posterior thigh existed in 16 of the teams. The strategy included both specific and complex and were performed during both pre-season and match play. The most frequent specific exercises performed were; bridging (pre-season n=9/match play n=8), Nordic hamstring (n=7/n=4) and leg-curl on a balance ball (n=6/n=4). The most common complex exercises performed were; single limb balance (pre-season n=11/match play n=10), split squats (n=9/n=9) and Romanian deadlifts (n=6/n=4). Eleven teams also used screening as a method to identify players at risk of injury. Active range of motion in the lower extremity was the most common screening method.ConclusionsIn 16 of the teams there existed a preventive strategy consisting of both specific and complex exercises that were performed during both pre-season and match play to prevent muscle injuries in the posterior thigh. Two thirds of the teams used screening to identify players at risk of muscle injury in the posterior thigh.