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The purpose of this study was to investigate counselors' professional understanding of the long-term psychological consequences of injury in UK football players. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 counselors who were registered to work for the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA). The interviews examined the counselors' perception of the relationship between long-term injury and presenting mental health issues, the antecedents to those mental health issues, and recommendations for psychological intervention following injury. The critical finding was the mental health problems regularly presented to PFA counselors were often the psychological and behavioral consequences of long-term injury. Counselors recommended that early and sustained psychological intervention with long-term injured players would act as a preventative measure against future mental health issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Institutional research increasingly suggests that organizations are not passive recipients of institutional demands. Organizations can adopt a variety of strategies, including dismissing, decoupling, and co-opting, in response to pressure to change. Over time, organizations likely adopt different approaches, particularly as the institutional field continues to evolve. Through a longitudinal case study of the National Football League's responses to player concussions, we investigated shifts in how a powerful sport governing body responds to institutional change over time. We found that the National Football League moved through different responses, from more reactive strategies--including dismissing, decoupling, and acquiescing--to proactive attempts to control institutional change. Using data on the National Football League, we offer propositions about the factors that may influence organizational responses. This study advances understanding of powerful sport governing bodies' responses to institutional change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions are a rare cause of joint pain. Most often they occur in the knee, but they can occur in elbow or ankle too. They have a predilection for the immature skeleton and are most commonly seen in male sex, athletically active young children and adolescents. Sport-specific risk factors by anatomic region include sports associated with high frequencies of knee or ankle injuries (e.g., football, basketball) and for the elbow, the overhead throwing athlete (e.g., baseball pitcher) or gymnast. In the knee, they are most commonly seen in the femoral condyles of the knee. OCD of the patella is a rare condition. There are a few reports of it. We present a case of 14-year-old-male patient, football player, with osteochondritis dissecans of the patella (OCP). The clinical presentation, radiographic and MRI findings, treatment and return to player are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses heat-related deaths in America football, focusing on issues related to what some experts refer to as a type of "indirect" fatality caused by "systemic failure as a result of exertion." The death of professional football player Korey Stringer in 2001 as a result of multiple organ failure brought about by heatstroke is examined. It states that at least 138 youth, high school, and college football players died due to heat-related causes between 1931 and 2012.

The purpose of this pilot exploratory study was to determine any immediate effects of a session of aquatic exercise (AE) compared with contrast therapy shallow water treadmill running (CSWR). Twenty-nine elite footballers were allocated randomly to AE or CSWR, 48 hr after a practice match. Outcome measures included maximum vertical jump height; visual analog scale (VAS) for pain; the squeeze test for adductor strength, sit and reach test, and ankle and hip range of movement. A significant difference between groups was found for maximum vertical jump height with the AE group being able to jump higher after the intervention (95% CI [-8.63 to -1.28]). No other significant differences between groups were detected for any outcome. Significant within group effects were found for the CSWR group in improving sit and reach (p = .04), and reducing pain when performing the squeeze test (p = .02). Both interventions may have improved aspects of performance; however, more highly powered trials, incorporating a control group, need to be conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case of ascending paralysis, following an episode of diarrhea, was initially misinterpreted as Guillain-Barré syndrome. The prominent hypokalemia led to the search for other differential diagnoses, initially interpreted as a rare case of periodic hypokalemic paralysis, which usually occurs in Asians after intake of large amounts of starch foods, such as Spaghetti, or rest after heavy exercise. In this case, the reason for the hypokalemia with associated paralysis was caused by a hyperhyreosis factitia through denied intake of T3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Injury has been identified as a potential risk factor for osteoarthritis. However, no previous study has addressed playing-career injuries and subsequent osteoarthritis in a large sample of former athletes. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence and determinants of arthritis and osteoarthritis in retired professional football players. Methods: Self-reported arthritis prevalence and retrospectively-recalled injury history were examined in a cross-sectional survey of 2,538 retired football players. Results: Football players reported a high incidence of injury from their professional playing days (52.8% reported knee injuries, 74.1% reported ligament/tendon injuries, and 14.2% reported anterior cruciate ligament tears). For those under 60 years, 40.6% of retired NFL players reported arthritis, compared with 11.7% of U.S. males (prevalence ratio =3.5, 95%CI: 3.3 to 3.7). Within the retired NFL player cohort, osteoarthritis was more prevalent in those with a history of knee injury (prevalence ratio = 1.7, 95%CI: 1.5 to 1.9) and ligament/tendon injury (prevalence ratio = 1.6, 95%CI: 1.4 to 1.9). Conclusions: In males under the age of 60, arthritis is over 3 times more prevalent in retired NFL players than in the general U.S. population. This excess of early-onset arthritis may be due to the high incidence of injury in football. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to describe the physique characteristics and competition nutrient intake of professional Rugby League players and to assess use of a statistical technique for evaluating validity of dietary reporting. Players (n = 74) were endomorphic mesomorphs and had a mean weight, height, and BMI of 93.4 ± 10.9 kg, 179.9 ± 7.3 cm, and 28.5 ± 2.1 kg/m2 respectively. Mean sum of eight skinfolds was 78.9 ± 2.2 mm (12.4 ± 2.9% fat). Players (n = 34) reported a mean daily energy intake of 17,708 ± 3,688 kJ (carbohydrate 51%, protein 18%, fat 25%, alcohol 4%) with 6 and 2.0 g · kg-1 · d-1 from carbohydrate and protein respectively. Micronutrient intake was adequate but alcohol consumption was high relative to health standards. The dietary records provided a plausible estimate of energy intake however further research is required to evaluate statistical techniques for assessing dietary validity in athlete groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extra-time (ET) of 30 minutes is played if football match scores are level after 90 minutes in tournament knockout play. The demanding schedule of these tournaments along with possible ET matches in the knockout stages significantly increase players' overload and injury risk. Present study aimed to determine whether ET during major football national team tournaments contributes to the game outcome. Data on the percentage of elimination matches that needed ET, and the percentage of ET matches that eventually required shootouts were retrieved. Over the years, increased number of participating teams lead to increased number of knockout games, and more knockout games needed ET (13% until 1978, 33% from 1982, in FIFA World Cup). In a significant percentage of matches, the ET itself did not determine the winning team, and the majority of ET matches winners were determined by shootouts (FIFA World Cup since 1982: 60.8%; UEFA European championship: 61.3%; Copa America: 92%). The purpose of playing ET is to make a fair game outcome, and not leave the winning decision for shootouts. However, since in most matches ET does not determine the winner, while significantly increasing the player's overload and injury susceptibility, the need for ET mandates rethinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Retos: Nuevas Perspectivas de Educación Física, Deporte y Recreación is the property of Federacion Espanola de Asociaciones de Docentes de Educacion Fisica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article presents a case study of a football player who sustained an iliac crest contusion ("hip pointer") injury, which later developed into a retroperitoneal hematoma. Included in the article are details on the football player's health as well as the treatment to his injury. The article also discusses the player's abdominal pain as it related to his hematoma.

This article critically examines the National Football League's (NFL) extensive "Play 60" campaign that operates in more than 73,000 schools in the United States. The year-round program—marketed as a campaign to end childhood obesity—now holds significance influence over school curriculums and operations, public constructions of health and diet, and governmental recommendations and policies on health and exercise. This article argues that the emergence of the Play 60 campaign as a major influence in these areas reflects the increasing privatization of physical education and wellness in U.S. schools. Furthermore, the program serves the commercial and political interests of the league by instilling familiarity with the labor and verbiage of football in program participants and advocating for the role of athletes (and the leagues they are a part of) in influencing youth ideas regarding nutrition and health. Most importantly, the program situates football as a safe and healthy practice for children amid increasing societal awareness and concern over the substantial health risks associated with playing youth football. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hip and groin pain is common in footballers and altering movement patterns can reduce symptoms. Observational tests of movement control are thought to identify abnormal movement patterns, but their accuracy needs yet to be confirmed by comparison with an objective measure. To assess the accuracy, using 3D motion analysis, of observational movement control tests and their ability to detect changes, and document changes in symptoms following a neuromuscular control exercise programme in an ex-footballer with hip and groin pain. A 25-year-old male with chronic bilateral hip and groin pain had their movement control ability rated and kinematic data collected using 3D motion analysis while performing Small Knee Bend (SKB) and SKB with Rotation (SKB Rot) tests pre-and post-neuromuscular control exercise training. Movement control was rated as at fault if they were unable to control specific trunk and pelvic movements during the tests. The Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) was used to assess symptoms. Following the intervention, observational rating during the SKB test improved from fault to no fault for anterior pelvic tilt, which decreased by 17° and 16° during right and left leg SKB tests respectively. The HAGOS symptoms subsection improved from 36% to 61%. Observational movement screening ratings were supported by 3-D motion analysis. These findings indicate that the screening tool was accurate for detecting improvements in trunk and pelvic movement control following an exercise programme in an ex-footballer who had presented with hip and groin pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare the cardiorespiratory fitness of visually impaired (VI) footballers with non-blind footballers and to examine the validity of the 20-m shuttle run test in estimating cardiorespiratory fitness in VI footballers. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 8 VI football 5-aside players and 7 age-matched non-blind futsal players. The groups performed the cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and the 20-m shuttle run to obtain the maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max). The VI footballers presented a lower VO2 max than the non-blind footballers on both the CPET (P=0.04) and the 20-m shuttle run (P<0.05). The 20-m shuttle run test underestimated VO2 max in the VI footballers (P=0.02). The agreement between the estimated and measured VO2 max values were better among non-blind footballers (ICC2,1 = 0.72) than the VI footballers (ICC2,1 =0.58), confirmed by Altman and Bland's graphical approach. The VI footballers presented a lower cardiorespiratory fitness than the non-blind footballers, which was observed through direct and indirect methods. The 20-m shuttle run test underestimated the VO2 max and is not a valid method to assess cardiorespiratory fitness in VI footballers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to find out the effect of training on dimensions of spleen, kidney and liver in licensed football players. Methods: The study group consisted of 53 licensed male football players and 52 male non-athlete controls. The visceral organ measurements were evaluated by ultrasonography. Independent samples t test and linear regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean age was 22.11±3.36 years in footballers and 22.71±3.92 years in controls. The spleen's transverse axis length (4.89±0.52 cm) and liver's anteroposterior length (11.9±2.35 cm) were significantly higher in the footballers compared to the controls (4.42±0.65 cm and 10.39±1.9 cm; p<0.001 and p<0.001; respectively). However, the lengths of the long axis of the right kidney (10.3±0.86 cm), long axis of the left kidney (10.4±0.77 cm) and the transverse axis length of the right kidney (4.05±0.57 cm) were significantly lower in the footballers compared to the controls (10.69±0.68 cm, 10.97±0.68 cm, 4.35±0.74 cm; p=0.012, p<0.001, p=0.02; respectively). Furthermore, weekly training time was negatively correlated with transverse axis lengths of the right kidney (Beta=0.656; p<0.001) and of the left kidney (Beta=-0.275; p=0.042). Conclusion: We consider that knowing the normal sizes of the visceral organs of footballers will be useful in determining the appropriate diagnosis and treatment and in accelerating the footballers to come back to competitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stress is an inseparable attribute of sports activities. The answer to the question of how to effectively cope with stress in a competition is one of the most important challenges of sports psychology. The aim of this research is to analyze the stress-management strategies used by football players. Methods: Participants in the study were 32 students of physical education specializing in football and 39 students of management, aged between 19 and 27 years (M = 21.41, SD = 1.76), including 24 women (34% of all respondents). Coping strategies were assessed through application of the multi-dimensional COPE inventory. Results: In comparison with the sample of management students, the group of footballers use the strategy of positive reinterpretation and growth significantly more often, and less frequently use alcohol or other psychoactive substances in a stressful situation. Women use the strategy of seeking emotional support significantly more often than men, while significantly less often using psychoactive substances and humor. Conclusion: This research revealed that trainers and sport psychologists should take into account gender differences and the specificity of the sports discipline of the athletes when working on selection of the best strategies for coping with stress during competitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an effort to reduce concussions in football, a helmet safety-rating system was developed in 2011 that rated helmets based on their ability to reduce g-forces experienced by the head across a range of impact forces measured on the playing field. Although this was considered a major step in making the game safer, the National Football League (NFL) continues to allow players the right to choose what helmet to wear during play. This prompted us to ask: What helmets do NFL players wear and does this helmet policy make the game safer? Accordingly, we identified the helmets worn by nearly 1000 players on Week 13 of the 2015–2016 season and Week 1 of the 2016–2017 season. Using stop-motion footage, we found that players wore a wide range of helmets with varying safety ratings influenced in part by the player's position and age. Moreover, players wearing lower safety-rated helmets were more likely to receive a concussion than those wearing higher safety-rated helmets. Interestingly, many players suffering a concussion in 2015 did not switch to a higher safety-rated helmet in 2016. Using a helmet-to-helmet impactor, we found that the g-forces experienced in the highest safety-rated helmets were roughly 30% less than that for the lowest safety-rated helmets. These results suggest that the current NFL helmet policy puts players at increased risk of receiving a concussion as many players are wearing low safety-rated helmets, which transmits more energy to the brain than higher safety-rated helmets, following collision. Thus, to reduce concussions, the NFL should mandate that players only wear helmets that receive the highest safety rating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the effect of age of first exposure to tackle football on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) pathological severity and age of neurobehavioral symptom onset in tackle football players with neuropathologically confirmed CTE.Methods: The sample included 246 tackle football players who donated their brains for neuropathological examination. Two hundred eleven were diagnosed with CTE (126 of 211 were without comorbid neurodegenerative diseases), and 35 were without CTE. Informant interviews ascertained age of first exposure and age of cognitive and behavioral/mood symptom onset.Results: Analyses accounted for decade and duration of play. Age of exposure was not associated with CTE pathological severity, or Alzheimer's disease or Lewy body pathology. In the 211 participants with CTE, every 1 year younger participants began to play tackle football predicted earlier reported cognitive symptom onset by 2.44 years (p < 0.0001) and behavioral/mood symptoms by 2.50 years (p < 0.0001). Age of exposure before 12 predicted earlier cognitive (p < 0.0001) and behavioral/mood (p < 0.0001) symptom onset by 13.39 and 13.28 years, respectively. In participants with dementia, younger age of exposure corresponded to earlier functional impairment onset. Similar effects were observed in the 126 CTE-only participants. Effect sizes were comparable in participants without CTE.Interpretation: In this sample of deceased tackle football players, younger age of exposure to tackle football was not associated with CTE pathological severity, but predicted earlier neurobehavioral symptom onset. Youth exposure to tackle football may reduce resiliency to late-life neuropathology. These findings may not generalize to the broader tackle football population, and informant-report may have affected the accuracy of the estimated effects. Ann Neurol 2018;83:886-901. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Groin pain is the third most common disease in football players and has often been associated with hip pathology such as femoroacetabular impingement and labral lesions. Hip arthroscopy offers possibilities of function restoration via minimally invasive procedures. The aim of this study is to evaluate professional football player's injuries and their return to play after hip arthroscopy for FAI and labral injuries.Methods: Patients that underwent hip arthroscopy between 2009 and 2014 were selected retrospectively. From this population, only professional soccer players competing at national level were included (Tegner 10). Arthroscopic surgery was proposed in patients with persistent pain. All patients were assessed for VAS score preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months post-op. HOS (sport and DLA) and mHHS tests were performed at the same time periods.Results: All patients were men with a mean age of 26.5 ± 7.1 years old. Preoperative VAS (7.4 ± 1.3), HOS ADL (67.7 ± 5.5), HOS sport (37.6 ± 18.7) and mHHS (72.5 ± 8.8) showed improved scores during long-term follow-up. Time to return to play was 10.8 months (SD ± 4.3), with range between 4 and 20 months. Mean follow-up was 45.4 ± 15.6 months (range from 26 to 72 months). No differences were observed between non-active and active patients at final follow-up with respect to chondral lesions, but significant differences were observed with reference to management of the labrum (p = 0.031), where a higher rate of labrectomies existed among inactive patients and a higher rate of suture among active patients.Conclusions: Hip arthroscopy is a safe procedure with very good return to play results, but for optimized return to football one should consider patient age at the time of surgery, the condition of the labrum and low scores on the Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and HOS (sport version) as predictive factors for poor prognosis. Level of evidence IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim was to study possible differences of muscle injuries regarding type, localization and the extent of injury between the dominant and non-dominant leg in elite male football players. Another aim was to study the injury incidence of muscle injuries of the lower extremity during match and training.Methods: Data were consecutively collected between 2007 and 2013 in a prospective cohort study based on 54 football players from one team of the Swedish first league. The injury incidence was calculated for both match and training, injuries to the hip adductors, quadriceps, hamstrings and triceps surae were diagnosed and evaluated with ultrasonography, and their length, depth and width were measured to determine the extent of structural muscle injuries.Results: Fifty-four players suffered totally 105 of the studied muscle injuries. Out of these 105 injuries, the dominant leg was affected in 53 % (n = 56) of the cases. A significantly greater extent of the injury was found in the dominant leg when compared with the non-dominant leg with regard to structural injuries of the hamstrings. No other significant differences were found.Conclusions: Structural hamstring muscle injuries were found to be of greater extent in the dominant leg when compared with the non-dominant leg. This new finding should be taken into consideration when allowing the football player to return to play after leg muscle injuries.Level Of Evidence: IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concussion in American football is a prevalent concern. Research has been conducted examining frequencies, location, and thresholds for concussion from impacts. Little work has been done examining how impact location may affect risk of concussive injury. The purpose of this research was to examine how impact site on the helmet and type of impact, affects the risk of concussive injury as quantified using finite element modelling of the human head and brain. A linear impactor was used to impact a helmeted Hybrid III headform in several locations and using centric and non-centric impact vectors. The resulting dynamic response was used as input for the Wayne State Brain Injury Model to determine the risk of concussive injury by utilizing maximum principal strain as the predictive variable. The results demonstrated that impacts that occur primarily to the side of the head resulted in higher magnitudes of strain in the grey and white matter, as well as the brain stem. Finally, commonly worn American football helmets were used in this research and significant risk of injury was incurred for all impacts. These results suggest that improvements in American football helmets are warranted, in particular for impacts to the side of the helmet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the effect of a suggested training program on the level of performance of football players who went through a rehabilitation of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) after endoscopic surgical intervention. Topics discussed include development and modernization of physical education and sports science; role of the instructor to draw a strategy studied sports education; and use of modern methods of learning different sports activities.

The main aim of the research was to identify a level of quantitative changes of the endurance with U16 football players under the influence of the programmed football training of a six weeks preparation period. The training programme covered forty-four training units. The research was made on a sample of 120 football players U16. To estimate the endurance three tests have been used: Cooper test, Running 15 m long distance for 90 s, and Pin running persistence. In the area of comparative statistics, we used discriminant parametric procedure t-test for big paired samples. It can be concluded that there are statistically significant differences in all three variables to estimate the endurance. This confirmed the hypothesis that the expected significant positive quantitative changes of endurance influenced by the proposed model of training in preparation period with football players U16. The authors were guided by the fact that this kind of training program in preparation period is very effective in terms of raising the endurance level with football players U16. The obtained results can be directed towards innovation plans and programs in the preparation period, and the adaptation of the same needs of the respective population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This paper examines the occupational risk of concussion amongst professional and semi-professional footballers in Ireland during the 2014 League of Ireland season. As part of a broader nationally representative study examining occupational safety and health (OSH) awareness amongst professional footballers, this empirical quantitative study, utilising a convenience sample is the first and largest investigation of the frequency of, and attitudes towards, concussion and concussion reporting amongst Irish senior professional and semi-professional footballers. Methods: A census survey using an anonymous questionnaire was provided to available League of Ireland clubs between March and May 2015. Permission to access players was provided by the Professional Footballers Association of Ireland. This convenience sample was determined by club availability in relation to match fixtures. Participation by the footballers was voluntary. At the time, there were 250 professional and semi-professional players within the League available to participate. Results: A total of 149 footballers participated in the study. Sixty percent of the participants were employed on a semi-professional basis and the majority of all participants were aged between 18 and 30. 15.7% of the participants reported having received a concussion in the 2014 season with semi-professional players having a noticeably higher (though not significant) reporting rate. Analysis indicated that there was a significant association between playing position and concussion reporting with defenders having the greater odds of reporting a concussion than other playing positions. Professional and semi-professional footballers have a relatively equal risk of receiving a concussion. Conclusion: This research is the first major investigation of the self-reported frequency of, and attitudes towards, concussion amongst Irish senior professional and semi-professional footballers. The results have important implications for coaches, clinicians, parents, players and national governing bodies. Further research is needed to ascertain whether professional footballers perceive concussion as an occupational risk, and whether they appreciate that accepting such risks can have long-term implications for health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adequate knowledge of nutrition is believed to influence the performance of endurance athletes. Objectives: To assess the level of nutrition knowledge among football players in Benghazi. Subjects and Methods: Following ethical approval, a cross-sectional study was conducted involving 101 football (soccer) players (25 ± 5 years of age) from seven clubs of the first and second divisions. The height (cm) and weight (kg) were recorded for each player. A questionnaire composed of three sections was filled out by each participant. It included questions concerning personal data, general nutrition, and specific knowledge concerning the appropriate foods to consume before, during, and after exercise. Results: The mean body mass index was 24 ± 2 kg/m2. Fifty-seven percent of the participants were below the university level of formal education. Furthermore, 75% reported that they never received any formal education related specifically to nutrition. In addition, 70% had no knowledge of the concept of the food pyramid, and only 18% of the players communicated with dieticians either during season or off-season. Only 22% answered correctly the questions about which foods are appropriate to consume before and after exercise. Noticeably, 81% of the participants did not correctly identify the contents of the nutrient to be consumed during exercise. Conclusions: The study revealed an alarming lack of nutrition knowledge among professional football players in Benghazi. The results highlight the need to establish specific programs for nutrition education for the players to enhance their knowledge in this critical area and positively influence their dietary habits and ultimately improve their physical performance. It is also important to emphasize the role of qualified dieticians in athletic clubs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The effect of prior meniscectomy and the resulting reduction in meniscal tissue on a potential National Football League (NFL) player’s articular cartilage status and performance remain poorly elucidated. Purpose/Hypothesis: (1) To determine the epidemiology, imaging characteristics, and associated articular cartilage pathology of the knee among players with a previous meniscectomy who were participating in the NFL Combine and (2) to evaluate the effect of these injuries on performance as compared with matched controls. The hypothesis was that players with less meniscal tissue would have worse cartilage status and inferior performance metrics in their first 2 NFL seasons. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: All athletes with a history of a meniscectomy and magnetic resonance imaging scan of the knee who participated in the NFL Combine (2009-2015) were identified. Medical records and imaging were analyzed, and surgical history, games missed in college, position played, and draft position were documented. The conditions of the meniscus and cartilage were graded with modified ISAKOS scores (International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine) and ICRS scores (International Cartilage Repair Society), respectively. Players with a previous meniscectomy of at least 10% of total medial or lateral meniscal volume excised (ISAKOS meniscus grade ≤8) and matched controls without a significant pre-Combine injury were similarly evaluated and compared by position of play through analysis of draft position, number of games played and started, and how many eligible plays they participated in (snap percentage) within the first 2 NFL seasons. Results: Of the 2285 players who participated in the NFL Combine (2009-2015), 287 players (322 knees) had a prior meniscectomy (206 lateral, 81 medial). Among these players, 247 (85%) had a total of 249 chondral lesions, most commonly on the lateral femoral condyle (111 lesions, 45%). There was a significant inverse correlation found between the ISAKOS medial and lateral meniscus grade and the corresponding compartment chondral lesion grade (P = .001). A poorer meniscus score was also associated with worse chondral pathology, especially in the lateral compartment. After controlling for position of play, the injury-free control group had a significantly greater number of total games played and games started and higher snap percentage versus those with a prior meniscectomy of at least 10% volume (ISAKOS meniscus grade ≤8). Players with severe chondral lesions (ICRS grade 4) in the medial and lateral compartments had significantly worse performance metrics when compared with matched controls. Conclusion: Previous meniscectomy of at least 10% of total medial or lateral meniscus volume in prospective NFL players was significantly correlated with larger and more severe chondral lesions. Chondral and meniscal defects of the knee were found to result in a significant decrease in objective performance measures during a player’s initial NFL career versus matched controls. Given these findings, players with a prior meniscectomy with evidence of chondral damage should be evaluated carefully for their overall functional levels; however, additional work is needed to fully clarify the effect of prior knee meniscal surgery on overall NFL performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies have reported that hip abnormalities may account for 10% of injuries in professional football players. The effect of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and arthroscopic FAI surgery in National Football League (NFL) athletes has not been well studied. Purpose: To investigate the effect of arthroscopic FAI surgery on return to play (RTP) and RTP performance in NFL players. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: NFL athletes undergoing arthroscopic FAI surgery at a single institution between 2006 and 2014 were identified. Medical records were reviewed for demographic, clinical, and operative variables. RTP and RTP performance were assessed based on a review of publicly available NFL player statistics. RTP and RTP performance data included time to RTP; games played before and after the injury; yearly total yards and touchdowns for offensive players; and yearly total tackles, sacks, and interceptions for defensive players. The offensive power rating (OPR = [total yards/10] + [total touchdowns × 6]) and defensive power rating (DPR = total tackles + [total sacks × 2] + [total interceptions × 2]) were calculated. Paired t tests comparing preinjury and postinjury seasons were performed. A matched cohort of NFL players was created to compare trends for OPR, DPR, and career longevity. Results: Forty-eight hips in 40 NFL players (mean age, 25.6 years) with symptomatic FAI were included; 8 players underwent staged bilateral hip arthroscopic procedures. The majority of players were offensive (n = 24; 60.0%), with offensive lineman (n = 11; 27.5%) being the most common of all positions. Of the 48 included hips, all had labral tears, and 41 (85.4%) underwent labral repair. Forty-two of the 48 hips (87.5%) underwent cam decompression, and 10 (20.8%) underwent rim decompression. Of the 40 included players, 37 (92.5%) achieved RTP to professional competition after their hip arthroscopic surgery at a mean of 6.0 months. Before the injury, included patients played in a mean of 11.0 games compared with 9.5 games in their postoperative season (P = .26). The mean OPR and DPR demonstrated a nonsignificant decline in the postoperative season (preinjury OPR, 40.2; postinjury OPR, 32.3; P = .34) (preinjury DPR, 49.6; postinjury DPR, 36.4; P = .10). A similar decline in the OPR and DPR across seasons was observed in the control group. NFL athletes played, on average, 3.3 ± 1.5 seasons after undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery; this was not significantly different from the controls (2.5 ± 1.5 seasons; P = .47). There was no significant difference in mean annual salaries based on contracts negotiated before the injury and the first negotiated contract after surgery ($3.3 million vs $3.6 million, respectively; P = .58). Conclusion: There was a very high rate of RTP in the NFL after arthroscopic FAI surgery; this rate is higher than what has been previously reported for other orthopaedic procedures in NFL athletes. Additionally, these NFL athletes achieved RTP at a faster time frame (6 months) than previously reported for other procedures. These findings have important implications for counseling elite football players about the expected outcome of arthroscopic FAI surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Australian football (AF) players require endurance, strength, speed, and agility to be successful. Tests assessing physical characteristics are commonly used for talent identification; however, their ability to differentiate between players across the Australian Football League's (AFL) participation pathway remains unclear. The objective of this review was to quantify the physical characteristics of male AF players across the AFL participation pathway. Methods: A search of databases was undertaken. Studies examining tests of physical performance were included, with 27 meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Study appraisal was conducted using a checklist of selection criteria. Results: The 20-m sprint time was the most reported test, followed by vertical jump (VJ), AFL planned agility, and 20-m multi-stage fitness test (MSFT). The fastest times for 20-m sprint were for Elite AFL players (range 2.94-3.13 s), with local-level players the slowest (3.22-4.06 s). State Junior Under (U) 18s (58-66 cm) had higher jumps than senior players, with the lowest jumps reported for Local U10s (mean 31 cm). No elite-level data were reported for the AFL planned agility or 20-m MSFT. AFL planned agility times were only reported for talent pathway levels, with large performance variability evident across all levels (8.17-9.12 s). Only mean 20-m MSFT scores were reported from Local U10s to National Draft Camp (6.10-13.50 shuttles). Conclusions: Talent pathway players exhibit similar mean test scores irrespective of the physical test, with the exception of 20-m sprint and VJ. Physical tests can discriminate between local participation level players but are less useful within the AFL talent pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To measure the sensitivity and specificity of differences cut-off values for isokinetic Hcon/Qcon ratio in order to improve the capacity to evaluate (retrospectively) the injury of hamstring muscles in professional soccer screened with knee isokinetic tests. Design: Retrospective study. Methods: Medical and biomechanical data of professional football players playing for the same team for at least one season between 2010 and 2016 were analysed. Hamstring strain injury cases and the reports generated via isokinetic testing were investigated. Isokinetic concentric(con) hamstring(H) and quadriceps(Q) absolute strength in addition with Hcon/Qcon ratio were examined for the injured versus uninjured limbs among injured players, and for the injured and non-injured players. 2 x 2 contingency table was used for comparing variables: predicted injured or predicted uninjured with actual injured or actual uninjured. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratio were calculated for three different cut-off values (0.47 vs. 0.6 vs. 0.658) to compare the discriminative power of an isokinetic test, whilst examining the key value of Hcon/Qcon ratio which may indicate the highest level of ability to predispose a player to injury. McNemar’s chi2 test with Yates’s correction was used to determine agreement between the tests. PQStat software was used for all statistical analysis, and an alpha level of p <0.05 was used for all statistical comparisons. Results: 340 isokinetic test reports on both limbs of 66 professional soccer players were analysed. Eleven players suffered hamstring injuries during the analysed period. None of these players sustained recurrence of hamstring injury. One player sustained hamstring strain injury on both legs, thus the total number of injuries was 12. Application of different cut-off values for Hcon/Qcon significantly affected the sensitivity and specificity of isokinetic test used as a tool for muscle injury detection. The use of 0.47 of Hcon/Qcon as a discriminate value resulted in significantly lower sensitivity when compared to 0.658 threshold (sensitivity of 16.7% vs. 91.7%, respectively; t = 6.125,p = 0.0133). Calculated values of specificity (when three different cut-off were applied) were also significantly different. Threshold of 0.6 of Hcon/Qcon resulted with significantly lower specificity compared to 0.47 value (specificity of 46.9% vs. 94.5%, respectively; t = 153.0,p<0.0001), and significantly higher specificity when compared to 0.658 (specificity of 46.9% vs. 24.1%, respectively; t = 229.0, p<0.0001). Conclusion: The use of different cut-off values for Hcon/Qcon significantly affected the sensitivity and specificity of isokinetic testing. The interpretation of usefulness of isokinetic test as a screening tool in a group of male professional football players to predict hamstring injury occurrence within the next 12 months might be therefore significantly biased due to the different threshold values of Hcon/Qcon. Using one “normative” value as a cut-off (e.g. 0.47 or 0.60, or 0.658) to quantify soccer players (or not) to the group with a higher risk of knee injury might result in biased outcomes due to the natural strength asymmetry that is observed within the group of soccer players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

American football athletes are routinely exposed to sub-concussive impacts over the course of the season. This study sought to examine the effect of a season of American football on plasma tau, a potential marker of axonal damage. Nineteen National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) football athletes underwent serial blood sampling over the course of the 2014-2015 season at those times in which the number and magnitude of head impacts likely changed. Non-contact sport controls (NCAA men's swim athletes; n = 19) provided a single plasma sample for comparison. No significant differences were observed between control swim athletes and football athletes following a period of non-contact ( p = 0.569) or a period of contact ( p = 0.076). Football athletes categorized as starters ( n = 11) had higher tau concentrations than non-starters ( n = 8) following a period of non-contact ( p = 0.039) and contact ( p = 0.036), but not higher than swimmers ( p = 1.000 and p = 1.000, respectively). No difference was noted over the course of the season in football athletes, irrespective of starter status. Despite routine head impacts common to the sport of American football, no changes were observed over the course of the season in football athletes, irrespective of starter status. Further, no difference was observed between football athletes and non-contact control swim athletes following a period of non-contact or contact. These data suggest that plasma tau is not sensitive enough to detect damage associated with repetitive sub-concussive impacts sustained by collegiate-level football athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The use of external and internal load is an important aspect of monitoring systems in team sport. The aim of this study was to validate a novel measure of training load by quantifying the training-performance relationship of elite Australian footballers. Methods: The primary training measure of each of 36 players was weekly load derived from a weighted combination of Global Positioning System (GPS) data and perceived wellness over a 24-week season. Smoothed loads representing an exponentially weighted rolling average were derived with decay time constants of 1.5, 2, 3, and 4 weeks. Differential loads representing rate of change in load were generated in similar fashion. Other derived measures of training included monotony, strain and acute:chronic ratio. Performance was a proprietary score derived from match performance indicators. Effects of a 1 SD within-player change below and above the mean of each training measure were quantified with a quadratic mixed model for each position (defenders, forwards, midfielders, and rucks). Effects were interpreted using standardization and magnitude-based inferences. Results: Performance was generally highest near the mean or ↑1 SD below the mean of each training measure, and 1 SD increases in the following measures produced small impairments: weekly load (defenders, forwards, and midfielders); 1.5-week smoothed load (midfielders); 4-week differential load (defenders, forwards, and midfielders); and acute:chronic ratio (defenders and forwards). Effects of other measures in other positions were either trivial or unclear. Conclusion: The innovative combination of load was sensitive to performance in this elite Australian football cohort. Periods of high acute load and sustained increases in load impaired match performance. Positional differences should be taken into account for individual training prescription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Australian Rules football comprises physical and skilled performance for more than 90min of play. The cognitive and physiological fatigue experienced by participants during a match may reduce performance. Consequently, the length of time an athlete is on the field before being interchanged (known as a stint), is a key tactic which could maximize the skill and physical output of the Australian Rules athlete. This study developed two methods to quantify the relationship between athlete time on field, skilled and physical output. Professional male athletes (n = 39) from a single elite Australian Rules football club participated, with physical output quantified via player tracking systems across 22 competitive matches. Skilled output was calculated as the sum of involvements performed by each athlete, collected from a commercial statistics company. A random intercept and slope model was built to identify how a team and individuals respond to physical outputs and stint lengths. Stint duration (mins), high intensity running (speeds >14.4 km· hr-1) perminute,meterage perminute and very high intensity running (speeds >25 km·hr-1) perminute had some relationship with skilled involvements. However, none of these relationships were strong, and the direction of influence for each player was varied. Three conditional inference trees were computed to identify the extent to which combinations of physical parameters altered the anticipated skilled output of players. Meterage per minute, player, round number and duration were all related to player involvement. All methods had an average error of 10 to 11 involvements, per player per match. Therefore, other factors aside from physical parameters extracted from wearable technologies may be needed to explain skilled output within Australian Rules football matches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), air displacement plethysmography (ADP), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and anthropometry are four body composition methods that have been frequently used for the assessment of body fat percentage (%BF) in athletes. However, the agreement between these methods has not been studied yet in adolescent football players.Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare %BF calculated by DXA, ADP, BIA and anthropometry in 92 participants.Methods: Sixty-four males (13.4 ± 0.6 years of age) and 28 females (13.4 ± 0.6 years) participated in this study. %BF was measured with four methods: DXA, ADP, BIA, and anthropometry. ADP %BF was calculated by using Siri's equation. The equation proposed by Slaughter et al. was used to calculate %BF by anthropometry. Paired t-test was used to compare %BF means. The heteroscedasticity was calculated by Bland-Altman analyses.Results and Conclusions: Both in males and females, DXA, ADP, BIA and Slaughter et al. equation demonstrated significant %BF differences when compared to each other (p < 0.05); 95% limits of agreements ranged from 5.13 to 15.09% points. Only BIA showed heteroscedasticity compared to the other methods in both genders (p < 0.05). Although DXA, ADP, BIA, and anthropometry have been used in the scientific literature in order to assess %BF in adolescent football players, these results demonstrate that these body composition methods are not interchangeable in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On August 1, 2001, Korey Stringer, a Pro Bowl offensive tackle for the Minnesota Vikings, became the first and to date the only professional American football player to die from exertional heat stroke (EHS). The death helped raise awareness of the dangers of exertional heat illnesses in athletes and prompted the development of heat safety policies at the professional, collegiate, and interscholastic levels. Despite the public awareness of this death, no published study has examined in detail the circumstances surrounding Stringer's fatal EHS. Using the well-documented details of the case, our study shows that Stringer's fatal EHS was the result of a combination of physiological limitations, organizational and treatment failings, and extreme environmental conditions. The COMfort FormulA (COMFA) energy budget model was used to assess the relative importance of several extrinsic factors on Stringer's EHS, including weather conditions, clothing insulation, and activity levels. We found that Stringer's high-intensity training in relation to the oppressive environmental conditions was the most prominent factor in producing dangerous, uncompensable heat stress conditions and that the full football uniform played a smaller role in influencing Stringer's energy budget. The extreme energy budget levels that led to the fatal EHS would have been avoided according to our modeling through a combination of reduced intensity and lower clothing insulation. Finally, a long delay in providing medical treatment made the EHS fatal. These results highlight the importance of modern heat safety guidelines that provide controls on extrinsic factors, such as the adjustment of duration and intensity of training along with protective equipment modifications based on environmental conditions and the presence of an emergency action plan focused on rapid recognition and immediate on-site aggressive cooling of EHS cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Nine Plus screening battery test (9+) is a functional movement test intended to identify limitations in fundamental movement patterns predisposing athletes to injury. However, the interseason variability is unknown.Aim: To examine the variability of the 9+ test between 2 consecutive seasons in professional male football players.Methods: Asymptomatic Qatar Star League players (n=220) completed the 9+ at the beginning of the 2013 and 2014 seasons. Time-loss injuries in training and matches were obtained from the Aspetar Injury and Illness Surveillance Program. No intervention was initiated between test occasions.Results: A significant increase in the mean total score of 1.6 points (95% CI 1.0 to 2.2, p<0.001) was found from season 1 (22.2±4.1 (SD)) to season 2 (23.8±3.3). The variability was large, as shown by an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.24 (95% CI 0.11 to 0.36) and a minimal detectable change (MDC) of 8.7 points. Of the 220 players, 136 (61.8%) suffered a time-loss injury between the 2 tests. There was an improvement in mean total scores in the injured (+2.0±0.4 (SE), p<0.001) group but not in the uninjured group (+0.9±0.5, p=0.089). The variability from season 1 to season 2 was large both in the injured (ICC 0.25, 0.09 to 0.40, MDC 8.3) and uninjured (ICC 0.24, 0.02 to 0.43, MDC 9.1) groups.Conclusions: The 9+ demonstrated substantial intraindividual variability in the total score between 2 consecutive seasons, irrespective of injury. A change above 8 points is necessary to represent a real change in the 9+ test between seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the research is to determine the differences in the anthropometric characteristics among the young categories of football players from the super league and the amateur league of the Republic of Kosovo. The survey was conducted on 132 respondents of young football players at the age of 14 (±6 months). The sample was divided into two groups, namely 66 young football players who play in the super league and 66 young football players who play in the amateur league of the Republic of Kosovo. The sample of the variables consisted of 10 anthropometric measures that define the longitudinal and transversal dimension of the skeleton, then the volume and mass of the body and subcutaneous fatty tissue. The measurement results were analyzed by statistical procedures marked as a multivariate and univariate analysis of variance. Based on the results it can be concluded that young players competing in higher ranking competitions have lower values of the skin folds on the back - subscapular, skin fold of the triceps and skin fold of the belly. In the other anthropometric measures there are no statistically significant differences between younger football players who are competing in the lower and higher-ranking competitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The incidence of groin pain in athletes is steadily increasing. Symptomatic pubic overload with groin pain and aseptic osteitis pubis represent well-known and frequently misdiagnosed overuse injuries in athletes. This study investigated the benefits of standardised non-surgical treatment for swift return-to-football.Methods: In a prospective double-blinded controlled study, 143 amateur football players with groin pain as well as radiological signs and clinical symptoms of pubic overload were analysed for 1 year. Two randomised study groups participated in an intensive physical rehabilitation programme, either with or without shock wave therapy. The control group did not participate in any standardised rehabilitation programme but only stopped participating in sports activity. Follow-up examinations took place 1, 3 months and 1 year after the beginning of therapy. Endpoints were visual analogue scale (VAS), functional tests, the time of return-to-football, recurrent complaints and changes in the MR image.Results: Forty-four football players with groin pain and aseptic osteitis pubis were randomised into two study groups; 26 received shock wave therapy, 18 did not. Clinical examination showed pubic overload as a multi-located disease. Players receiving shock wave therapy showed earlier pain relief in the VAS (p < 0.001) and returned to football significantly earlier (p = 0.048) than players without this therapy. Forty-two of 44 players of both study groups returned to football within 4 months after the beginning of therapy and had no recurrent groin pain within 1 year after trauma. Fifty-one players of the control group returned to football after 240 days (p < 0.001), of whom 26 (51%) experienced recurrent groin pain. Follow-up MRI scans did not show any effect of shock wave therapy.Conclusion: Non-surgical therapy is successful in treating pubic overload and osteitis pubis in athletes. Shock wave therapy as a local treatment significantly reduced pain, thus enabling return-to-football within 3 months after trauma. Early and correct diagnosis is essential for successful intensive physiotherapy.Level Of Evidence: I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of the research was to identify a level of quantitative changes of the strength of kicking the ball with fifteen years old football players under the influence of the programmed football training of a six weeks' preparation period. The training programme covered forty-four training units. The research was made on a sample of 120 cadet level football players. To estimate the strength of kicking the ball three tests have been used: the strength of kicking the ball with foot, ball on the ground, the strength of kicking the ball with foot, ball in the air, the strength of kicking the ball with head. In the area of comparative statistics, we used discriminant parametric procedure t-test for big paired samples. It can be concluded that there are statistically significant differences in all three variables to estimate the strength of kicking the ball. This confirmed the hypothesis that the expected significant positive quantitative changes of situational-motor abilities influenced by the proposed model of training in preparation period with fifteen years old football players. The authors were guided by the fact that this kind of training program in preparation period is very effective in terms of raising the strength of kicking the ball level with fifteen years old. The obtained results can be directed towards innovation plans and programs in the preparation period, and the adaptation of the same needs of the respective population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Participation in collegiate American football is physically demanding and may have long-term health implications, particularly in relation to cardiovascular and neurological health. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III (DIII) football players are a relatively unstudied population, particularly in terms of their dietary habits and knowledge. The aim of the present study was to descriptively evaluate the dietary intake of DIII football players including a subset of linemen and assess the nutritional knowledge and sources of information of these athletes. Methods: The study sample was 88 DIII football players including a subset of nine linemen. All participants completed a food frequency questionnaire, and a nutritional knowledge questionnaire that included a quiz and questions about their main sources of nutrition information. Heights and body masses were also recorded. The linemen submitted written 3-day diet records for assessment of their dietary intake. Results: Of the 88 participants, >50% reported consuming starches/grains, meat and dairy daily, but <50% reported consuming fruits and vegetables daily. Protein powders were the most commonly used supplements (33% reported daily use). Compared to dietary recommendations, linemen consumed high amounts of total fat, saturated fat, dietary cholesterol, sodium, and potassium, but were low in carbohydrates, fiber, and essential fats. The mean nutrition knowledge quiz score for the 88 participants was 55.2%. Those who had taken a nutrition or health course in college scored significantly higher on the quiz than those who had not. Participants reported relying primarily on coaches, websites, and athletic trainers (ATs) for nutritional guidance; ATs were the most trusted source. Conclusions: DIII football players had dietary habits that may both mitigate and increase their risk of chronic diseases. These athletes have room to improve their nutrition knowledge. Their reliance on athletic team staff for nutrition guidance highlights the importance of nutrition education for both athletes and staff and the potential role of a registered dietitian nutritionist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: For junior-level Australian Rules Football there is a paucity of head injury and concussion surveillance data; thus, the primary aim was to document head injury and concussion incidence in participants aged 9-17 years with a secondary aim to identify the mechanism-of-injury.Methods: A prospective cohort study in which a designated representative for each of the 41 teams recorded on a weekly basis the number of head injuries suspected of being a concussion, diagnosed concussions and the mechanism-of-injury during competition games over the course of a 12-game season. For analysis three groups were formed - number of Player-Seasons, Athlete-Exposures, head injury and concussion incidence per 1000 Athlete-Exposures - and were calculated. Narrative data was categorised.Results: There was 13 reported head injuries resulting in seven concussions in the sample population (n = 976). The incidence rates for head injury and concussion were 1.1 (95% confidence interval: 0.5-1.7) and 0.59 (95% confidence interval: 0.2-1.0) per 1000 Athlete-Exposures. There were four head injuries resulting in two concussions in the 12-13-year-old group and nine head injuries and five concussions in the 14-17-year-old group. Two categories emerged for mechanism-of-injury: player-to-surface and player-to-player, with 9 of the 13 head injuries resulting from player-to-player contact.Conclusions: The incidence rates were similar in the two older groups and lower in comparison with American football and rugby. The data collected have advanced our knowledge of head injury incidence and established baseline data which to compare in future years and may assist in development of preventative measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No studies have analysed the acute effects of the FIFA 11+ and Harmoknee warm-up programmes on major physical performance measures. The aim of this study was to analyse the acute (post-exercise) effects of the FIFA 11+, Harmoknee and dynamic warm-up routines on several physical performance measures in amateur football players. A randomized, crossover and counterbalanced study design was used to address the purpose of this study. A total of sixteen amateur football players completed the following protocols in a randomized order on separate days: a) FIFA 11+; b) Harmoknee; and c) dynamic warm-up (DWU). In each experimental session, 19 physical performance measures (joint range of motion, hamstring to quadriceps [H/Q] strength ratios, dynamic postural control, 10 and 20 m sprint times, jump height and reactive strength index) were assessed. Measures were compared via a magnitude-based inference analysis. The results of this study showed no main effects between paired comparisons (FIFA 11+ vs. DWU, Harmoknee vs. DWU and Harmoknee vs. FIFA 11+) for joint range of motions, dynamic postural control, H/Q ratios, jumping height and reactive strength index measures. However, significant main effects (likely effects with a probability of >75–99%) were found for 10 (1.7%) and 20 (2.4%) m sprint times, demonstrating that both the FIFA 11+ and Harmoknee resulted in slower sprint times in comparison with the DWU. Therefore, neither the FIFA 11+ nor the Harmoknee routines appear to be preferable to dynamic warm-up routines currently performed by most football players prior to training sessions and matches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]