Citation

Kakavelakis KN, Vlazakis S, Vlahakis I, Charissis G. Scand. J. Med. Sci. Sports 2003; 13(3): 175-178.

Affiliation

Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical School, University Hospital of Heraklion, University of Crete, Voutes 71110, Crete, Greece.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12753490

Abstract

A prospective study of soccer injuries, involving 287 male youth players, from the ages of 12-15 was conducted in 24 Greek soccer clubs, during the course of one year. A total of 193 players sustained 209 injuries. The incidence of injuries was 4.0 injuries per 1000 h of soccer time per player, and the most common types of injuries were sprains and strains. Surprisingly, it was found that an increase of injury incidences occurred during practice. Fifty-eight injuries required medical assistance. The majority of injuries (80%) were located in the lower extremities. Collision with other players was the most common activity at the time of injury, accounting for 40% of all injuries. The conclusion of this study and the evidence from other studies suggests that youth soccer is a relatively low risk sport. However, a substantial amount of injuries could be prevented. It is necessary to identify the risk factors, which are associated with these types of injuries.

Language: en