Different playing surfaces and the possible incidence of lower limb injury in footballers

Abstract

Overview of the topic: For any athlete, injury signifies time away from the game that they love, it signifies loss of opportunity, it casts uncertainty over their future, creates multifaceted pain, impacting an athletes physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. Regardless of severity, lower limb injuries of any kind are of concern. studies regarding football player perception regarding football surfaces impact on injury incidence shows that a large majority believe Pitch surfaces to be the main contributing factor to injury. (Poules et al 2014) This perception surrounding different pitch surfaces and their relation to lower limb injury incidence was the main inspiration of this study and the Research Question. Research Question: ‘Is there a link between different playing surfaces and lower limb injury incidence in footballers?’ PICO Elements: The population studies comprised of professional football players, the intervention being different playing surfaces and comparing the lower limb injury incidence on football players on these different playing surfaces. The outcome from this study was that there does in fact exist a link between different playing surfaces and lower limb injury incidence. Method: Using the PICO elements, a combination of keywords in combination with search tools and limiters were formulated and implemented to formulate a focused search strategy, in order to gather the most recent and relevant literature regarding the topic. Eliminating of potentially irrelevant studies was achieved by applying an Inclusion and Exclusion criteria. Using these components, From the search strategy, 12 key studies were identified. The AXIS appraisal tool and CASP tool were used for the appraisal of the key studies. Results: The 12 key studies included 1 Systematic Review, 2 books, 1 Descriptive Epidemiology Study, 3 Cohort Studies and 5 Cross Sectional studies. In relation to the Research question, A link does exist between different playing surfaces and lower limb injury incidence. Other conclusion from this dissertation include: a link exists between AT and higher lower limb injury incidence when compared to NG. Non-Contact injuries are most common on AT. The shoe stud type used can affect the prevalence of lower limb injury, Muscular strain type injuries are the most common injury suffered in youth and adult footballers across both playing surfaces. A negative bias among footballers towards Artificial Turf pitches. Implication and Recommendation: Recommendations for future research include: To set up, conduct and publish studies regarding the pitch surface conditions in Malta and their relation to injury incidence. Additionally investigating further, the shoe-surface interaction on different playing surfaces and its effect on lower limb injury incidence and greater research into Natural Grass and its characteristics which may lead to lower limb injury prevalence locally and internationally. Recommendation for practice include: Wearing of suitable footwear for each playing surface, regular maintenance patterns to ensure peak pitch conditions and educating practitioners to factor in the effects of high frictional forces over a long period of time when giving exercises to their athletes.