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Influence of Size and Maturity on Injury in Young Elite Soccer Players

Author

Listed:
  • Natascia Rinaldo

    (Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Emanuela Gualdi-Russo

    (Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

  • Luciana Zaccagni

    (Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy)

Abstract

The involvement of pre-adolescents in soccer is becoming more and more frequent, and this growing participation generates some concerns about the potential factors for sports injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate sports injuries in younger (U9–U11) and older (U12–U13) children playing soccer at an elite level, analyzing potential anthropometric and maturity risk factors. A total of 88 elite soccer players aged 9–13 years were investigated. Weight, stature, and sitting height were measured at the start and at the end of the competitive season, computing the relative growth velocities. Additional body composition parameters were taken during a second survey. Maturity offset was calculated using predictive equations based on anthropometric traits such as years from age at peak height velocity (YPHV). Injuries suffered during the competitive season were recorded. Maturity and some anthropometric characteristics were significantly different according to the presence or absence of injuries among the players. Multiple logistic regression revealed that YPHV, body mass index (BMI), and calf muscle area were the factors most significantly correlated with injuries. Players with increased BMI, with decreased calf muscle area, and who were closer to their peak height velocity, were at a higher risk of injury. Findings showed that a monitoring program of anthropometric characteristics taking into account the maturational stage needs to be developed to prevent injuries.

Suggested Citation

  • Natascia Rinaldo & Emanuela Gualdi-Russo & Luciana Zaccagni, 2021. "Influence of Size and Maturity on Injury in Young Elite Soccer Players," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-13, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:6:p:3120-:d:519429
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lucia Mala & Tomas Maly & Lee Cabell & Mikulas Hank & David Bujnovsky & Frantisek Zahalka, 2020. "Anthropometric, Body Composition, and Morphological Lower Limb Asymmetries in Elite Soccer Players: A Prospective Cohort Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-12, February.
    2. Natascia Rinaldo & Stefania Toselli & Emanuela Gualdi-Russo & Nicoletta Zedda & Luciana Zaccagni, 2020. "Effects of Anthropometric Growth and Basketball Experience on Physical Performance in Pre-Adolescent Male Players," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-12, March.
    3. Lisa Steidl-Müller & Carolin Hildebrandt & Erich Müller & Christian Raschner, 2020. "Relationship of Changes in Physical Fitness and Anthropometric Characteristics over One Season, Biological Maturity Status and Injury Risk in Elite Youth Ski Racers: A Prospective Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-10, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Emanuela Gualdi-Russo & Luciana Zaccagni, 2021. "Physical Activity for Health and Wellness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-6, July.

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