Summary
This study examines the effectiveness of the FIFA 11+ injury prevention program in reducing the incidence of ACL injuries in female soccer players, focusing on biomechanical changes, particularly in knee valgus angle, before and after a season-long implementation of the program.
Abstract
Introduction
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries pose a serious health risk to young female athletes, often leading to long-term consequences such as chronic knee instability, premature degenerative changes, and the end of sports careers. Women are more prone to ACL injuries compared to men due to differences in anatomy, biomechanics, hormones, and movement patterns. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the FIFA 11+ program in reducing the incidence of ACL injuries in female soccer players by analyzing changes in the knee valgus angle at landing, before and after implementation of the program.
Materials And Methods
The study included 20 female soccer team players with an average age of 21 years. Prior to the implementation of the program, the knee valgus angle at landing was preliminarily measured using 3D video analysis. Drop jumps were performed from a height of approximately 30 cm, recording the angles created between the femur and tibia at the moment of foot contact with the ground. The players then underwent a FIFA 11+ program over the course of one soccer season, applied during each training session and before each match. At the end of this period, the knee valgus angle was measured again under the same conditions.
Results
The study showed that after the introduction of the FIFA 11+ program, there was a significant reduction in the knee valgus angle at landing, which correlated with a significant decrease in the rate of ACL injuries among female athletes. Improvements in movement biomechanics and knee joint stabilization contributed to a reduction in injury risk.
Conclusions
The study not only confirmed the effectiveness of the FIFA 11+ program in reducing ACL injuries but also provided valuable information to modify and better tailor the program to the specific needs of female athletes. The results significantly contribute to improving the health of female athletes, reducing the frequency of injuries, and prolonging their sports careers.