Body composition variations between injured and non-injured professional soccer players

Abstract

Professional soccer is characterized by its physical demands, making players’ exposure to high injury risks a growing problem. It is crucial to study the factors associated with injuries in professional soccer. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between age, body composition, and others variables related with the injury profile of professional soccer players of a specific Portuguese team. Also, it analyzed the impact of the injury profile on soccer’s variations in body fat (BF%), skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and total body water (TBW) throughout the season. The sample comprised 31 male professional soccer players competing in the First Portuguese Soccer League. Older players had a higher prevalence of muscular injuries. Midfielders and forwards showed the highest number of muscular injuries during the season being quadriceps the most affected zone. Considering players’ BF% [Wilks’ Lambda = 0.42, F (7, 23) = 4.61, p = 0.002, r = 0.58], SMM [Wilks’ Lambda = 0.59, F (6, 23) = 2.70, p = 0.039, r = 0.41] and TBW [Wilks’ Lambda = 0.54, F (7, 23) = 2.80, p = 0.029, r = 0.46] there was a substantial main effect for the assessments performed throughout the season and the injury status. Age assumes relevance in explaining the injury profile. The impact of the injury profile on soccer's variations in BF%, SMM and TBW throughout the season must be analyzed considering the clinical relevance.

Lower limbs strength variations between injured and non-injured professional soccer players

“…This may be related to the fact that they all belong to the same professional football team, sharing daily habits that make them very homogeneous in their physical condition. 19 Although no significant differences were observed, particularly in body composition parameters in our study, it remains essential to monitor these variables throughout a sports season. Literature has reinforced body composition variables such as BM, body fat percentage (BF%), and indirectly fat-free mass as crucial conditions to enhance players' physical capacities such as jumping, sprinting, and changes of direction.…”

“…Regardless of this perspective, this key information could make sports agents and coaches more aware of the need to monitor players' injuries and put preventative measures in place during the season. 19 Concerning muscular injury frequencies, the players in this group suffered six muscular injuries during the season. The most affected body zones were the quadriceps and adductors, with the hamstrings and abdominal also being affected.…”

“…This may be related to the fact that they all belong to the same professional football team, sharing daily habits that make them very homogeneous in their physical condition. 19 …”

“…8,[15][16][17][18] The causes of muscle injury in athletes are still not fully understood. 19 There have been few studies that include professional athletes and provide the precise information on muscle injuries required for this purpose. 20 The term "muscle strength" in the literature refers to the maximum muscular force produced by a single voluntary contraction.…”

“… 8 , 15 – 18 The causes of muscle injury in athletes are still not fully understood. 19 There have been few studies that include professional athletes and provide the precise information on muscle injuries required for this purpose. 20 …”