Profile of soccer injuries at the 19th Nigerian University Games

Profile of soccer injuries at the 19th Nigerian University Games

Soccer, the most popular team sport in the world is associated with injuries. Profile of soccer injuries at the 19th Nigerian University Games was studied and the incidence, causes, locations, severity, mode of treatment and effect of play position on injuries were studied. The observational technique was used to obtain relevant data during the competition. Out of a total of 16 matches played and studied, 57 players were injured with 113 incidences of injuries recorded. The results were analyzed using frequency, percentages. The ankle was most frequently injured with 25 (22.12%) cases, while the groin and the foot regions were the least injured body part (1 case, 0.88%). The incidence of injury to the knee joint was 22 (19.47%). The most frequently injured body segment was the lower extremity, while the least injured body segment was the trunk. Minor injuries recorded were 48 (42.48%), while 2 (1.77%) serious injuries were observed. Most of the injuries sustained were due to direct trauma. Physiotherapy treatment included cryotherapy, massage and passive stretching of muscles. Midfielders recorded the highest number of injuries, while the highest number of injuries was recorded among the University of Ibadan soccer players. The Federal University of Technology, (FUTA) players sustained 5 (8.8%) the least injury. In conclusion, the most frequently injured segment of the body and body part was the lower extremity and the ankle respectively. Rules of the game should be modified to reduce the incidence of injuries in these body parts.

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