THE PREVENTION OF NON-CONTACT INJURIES IN SOCCER: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
Yonatan KAPLAN
Jerusalem Sports Medicine Institute, Lerner Sports Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel
Keywords: Soccer injuries, etiology, risk factors, injury prevention
Abstract
Successful injury surveillance and prevention requires valid pre- and post-intervention data on the extent of the problem. The etiology, risk factors and exact mechanisms of injuries need to be identified before initiating a measure or program for preventing sports injuries. In the present review, literature about these mechanisms and incidence are given, with special concern on non-contact injuries. Despite the economical burden sports injuries incur, the extent of injury preventative actions remains limited. Once implemented, these actions yield significantly beneficial results, especially in groups with an increased risk of injury.