Journal of Rehabilitation Sciences & Research

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Physical Performance of Soccer Players With and Without Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction While Undergoing Knee Injury Prevention Training

Amir Shamlou kazemi; hassan daneshmandi; Parisa Sedaghti; Yasin Hoseini

Volume 12, Issue 2 , June 2025, , Pages 95-101

Abstract

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is one of the most severe and complex knee injuries commonly occurring in soccer. The Sportsmetrics Soccer Training (SMST) protocol ... Read More Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is one of the most severe and complex knee injuries commonly occurring in soccer. The Sportsmetrics Soccer Training (SMST) protocol is a well-established program for preventing knee injuries and enhancing soccer players' performance. This study aimed to compare the effect of the SMST injury prevention protocol on the performance of soccer players with and without anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Methods: This research employed a semi-experimental design, including 42 soccer players aged 18–30, each with at least three years of regular soccer experience. Participants were divided into two groups of 21 subjects: players with ACLR and those without ACLR. Physical performance was evaluated using the Illinois Agility Test, 40-Yard Sprint Test, and Sargent Vertical Jump Test in both groups before and after six weeks of intervention. The SMST protocol was conducted in three 90-minute weekly sessions for six weeks. Statistical analyses were performed to assess intra-group differences using the dependent t-test and inter-group differences using the covariance analysis test (P ≤ 0.05). Results: The dependent t-test results demonstrated significant improvements in speed (P = 0.01), agility (P = 0.01), and explosive power (P = 0.01) in both groups following six weeks of SMST training. However, the results of the covariance analysis revealed no significant differences between the two groups in terms of speed (P = 0.57), agility (P = 0.07), and explosive power (P = 0.71) after six weeks of training. Conclusion: The improvements in performance indicators among the participants were primarily attributed to the alignment between the components of the SMST protocol and the performance evaluation tests. SMST training is highly recommended for healthy and ACLR soccer players, as it effectively enhances physical and athletic performance while reducing the risk of ACL injury and re-injury.

Impact of the FIFA 11+ Warm-up Program on Injury Prevention in Soccer Players and Other Sports: A Systematic Review

Reza Sharifatpour; Hamid Abbasi; Saeed Abedinzadeh

Volume 11, Issue 2 , June 2024, , Pages 61-69

Abstract

Background: This study systematically reviewed scientific literature regarding the effects of the FIFA 11+ warm up program on preventing injuries in soccer and other sports.Methods: ... Read More

The Effect of a Neuromuscular Training Program on Landing Kinematics in Young Soccer Players with Poor Landing Mechanics

Nezam Nemati; Ali Asghar Norasteh; Ali Shamsi Majelan

Volume 10, Issue 3 , September 2023, , Pages 145-150

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the Prevent Injury and Enhance Performance (PEP) program on knee valgus and knee flexion angles, as well as Landing Error Scoring ... Read More Background: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the Prevent Injury and Enhance Performance (PEP) program on knee valgus and knee flexion angles, as well as Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) test scores in young male soccer players with poor landing mechanics. The study identified how increased knee valgus, decreased knee flexion and poor landing patterns contribute as risk factors for these young athletes' anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.Methods: The present study utilized a quasi-experimental design. A total of 47 soccer players with poor landing mechanics were purposefully recruited and randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=23 players, age= 12.69±0.70 years, height= 1.53±0.06 m, weight= 49.91±6.76 kg) or the control group (n=24 players, age= 12.55±0.64 years, height= 1.51±0.08 m, weight= 51.25±7.73 kg). The study measured Knee Valgus angle, Knee flexion angle, and LESS test scores at the baseline and the end of the 8-week study period. During the study, the intervention group used the Prevent Injury and Enhanced Performance (PEP) program as a warm-up routine, while the control group continued with their regular warm-up routine. The researchers used ANCOVA (Analysis of Covariance) and paired-sample t-test statistical analyses to evaluate the changes.Results: the intervention group significantly reduced knee valgus angle (p=0.001). Additionally, there were significant enhancements in knee flexion angle (p=0.003) and the LESS test scores (p=0.001). In contrast, the control group did not show significant improvements in knee valgus and knee flexion angles (p>0.05), except for LESS test scores (p=0.001), where they also demonstrated improvement. Moreover, the study found significant differences between the intervention and control groups in knee valgus angle (p=0.001), knee flexion angle (p=0.025), and LESS test scores (p=0.001).Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the PEP program effectively reduced dynamic knee valgus angles, increased knee flexion angles, and improved LESS test scores in young male soccer players. Therefore, it appears that this program can reduce the risk of ACL injuries in this population.

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Keywords = Soccer

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Physical Performance of Soccer Players With and Without Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction While Undergoing Knee Injury Prevention Training

Abstract

Impact of the FIFA 11+ Warm-up Program on Injury Prevention in Soccer Players and Other Sports: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The Effect of a Neuromuscular Training Program on Landing Kinematics in Young Soccer Players with Poor Landing Mechanics

Abstract