Evaluation of the Association of Strength, Flexibility, and Aerobic Power with Sport Injuries in Soccer Players

Background & Objectives: Rate of injuries is noticeable in professional soccer. There are many factors that cause injuries, one of the most important of which is physical fitness. The aim of this study was to determine the association of strength, flexibility, and aerobic power with injuries in soccer players. Materials & Methods: Sixty-four professional, healthy players (age=۲۳.۸±۳.۹ years, height=۱۷۸.۰۴±۴.۵۵ cm, weight=۷۴.۶۱±۴.۹۸ kg) were recruited in this study. At the beginning, age, height, and weight were recorded, then thigh muscle strength was assessed using Nicholas Manual dynamometer (MMT). Flexibility was estimated by sit and reach test and aerobic power was evaluated by Bruce treadmill test. Pearson correlation coefficient and Chi-square test were used in SPSS ۱۶ to analyze the data. Statistical significance was set at P≤۰.۰۵. Results: Our findings indicated that strength of extensor muscles had a significant negative correlation with injuries (r=-۰.۴۴, P=۰.۰۴). In addition, there was a significant relationship between flexibility and injuries (r=- ۰.۸۱, P=۰.۰۲) and between aerobic power and injuries (r=-۰.۸۲, P=۰.۰۳). Conclusion: It seems that coaches and therapists must pay more attention to injury-prevention programs and pre-participation physical fitness to reduce incidence of injuries among players.

Keywords:

Evaluation of the Association of Strength , Flexibility , and Aerobic Power with Sport Injuries in Soccer Players , انعطاف پذیری , توان هوازی , فوتبال , قدرت