Analysis of Injury Epidemiology in Soccer Players in the 2019 Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football Gold Cup as Reported by Team Physicians

Abstract

Purpose

To describe and characterize injuries reported in professional soccer athletes participating in the 2019 Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Gold Cup tournament.

Methods

Data were collected from electronic medical reports submitted after each match of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament. Reports were generated from a 20-question online survey completed by team physicians from all 16 participating teams. For every recorded injury, a separate survey was completed by team physicians documenting athlete demographic characteristics, context of injury, injury characteristics, and expected time lost from injury.

Results

A total of 62 surveys were distributed, of which 80% (50 of 62) were collected for analysis. A total of 27 injuries (7%) were recorded among the 368 participating athletes. Injuries most frequently occurred during matches (92%, 24 of 27), with a significantly higher number of injuries recorded between the 61st and 75th minutes of play (P < .05). New injuries constituted 85% of all injuries (23 of 27), whereas 15% of injuries (4 of 27) were recorded as recurrences of prior injuries. Defenders had the highest number of injuries (41%, 11 of 27). Injuries to the lower extremities comprised 52% of all injuries (14 of 27), with thigh strains being the most common.

Conclusions

During the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, injuries were recorded in 7% of athletes (27 of 368), with 89% of injuries recorded as occurring during match play, primarily consisting of injuries involving strains to the thigh.

Clinical Relevance

Understanding the epidemiology of soccer (football) injuries can help physicians better educate athletes including their patients.