Clinical Research Directory

Association Between Pre-Season Physical Capacity and Injury Risk in Professional Soccer Players

This prospective observational study aims to investigate the relationship between pre-season physical capacities and lower-extremity injury risk during the competitive season in professional male soccer players. A total of 28 healthy professional male soccer players aged 18-35 years, with at least five years of training experience, will be included in the study. Participants will undergo comprehensive physical performance assessments during the pre-season period without being assigned to any experimental intervention or additional exercise program. Baseline assessments will include anthropometric measurements, countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, overhead squat assessment, aerobic fitness using the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15 IFT), eccentric hamstring strength using the NordBord system, and hip abduction and adduction strength using the GroinBar system. Inter-limb strength asymmetries will also be evaluated. Following the pre-season assessments, participants will be monitored for lower-extremity injuries during the competitive season. Injury information, including anatomical location, injury type, duration, and recurrence, will be collected from club physiotherapists and coaching staff. The primary objective is to examine whether pre-season physical performance characteristics, particularly hamstring strength, hip muscle strength, and inter-limb strength differences, are associated with subsequent lower-extremity injury occurrence. The findings may contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between pre-season physical capacity and injury risk in professional soccer and may help sports medicine professionals, physiotherapists, and strength and conditioning coaches identify relevant physical performance indicators for athlete monitoring.