What exercise programme is the most appropriate to mitigate anterior cruciate ligament injury risk in football (soccer) players? A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
PubMed 38395699 · doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2024.02.001
What was done
Authors conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis across four databases through July 2023 to evaluate exercise-based injury prevention programs against control conditions for reducing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk in football (soccer) players, with a secondary subgroup analysis for female players. Only randomized controlled trials were included. Outcomes were quantified using logarithm hazard ratios (log HR) with 95% credible intervals (CrI) and standard deviations (SD).
What was found
Across 11 included trials, FIFA 11+ demonstrated the greatest overall reduction in ACL injury risk (log HR = -1.23 [95% CrI: -2.20, -0.35]; SD = 0.47), followed by the Knäkontroll program (log HR = -0.76 [95% CrI: -1.60, -0.03]; SD = 0.42). In the female subgroup, the Knäkontroll program was reported as the primary effective program (log HR = -0.62 [95% CrI: -1.71, 0.62]; SD = 0.58).
Why it matters
This review ranks specific neuromuscular training programs for soccer players, demonstrating that while FIFA 11+ performs best in mixed cohorts, Knäkontroll may be the preferred protocol for female athletes.
Limits
The network meta-analysis is based on a small total number of trials (11 studies). Total participant counts, specific compliance rates, and baseline injury rates are not detailed in the abstract. Furthermore, the female subgroup analysis for Knäkontroll yielded wide credible intervals crossing zero (-1.71 to 0.62), indicating substantial statistical imprecision.
Cited by
- supports FIFA developed a validated neuromuscular warmup and hopping program that significantly reduces lower extremity and ACL injuries in soccer players.