Real-world implementation of the Copenhagen Adduction Exercise: what do football teams modify and why?

Objectives: To evaluate the use and modification of the Copenhagen Adduction Exercise in football (soccer) teams, including the reasons for modification and alternate injury-prevention strategies.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, staff members from a convenience sample of 50 male elite, academy and amateur football teams in Norway, Germany and Austria completed an online questionnaire focussing on the implementation of the Copenhagen Adduction Exercise. Fourteen of the staff members also completed an interview.

Results: Forty-two teams (84%) reported using the Copenhagen Adduction Exercise, but the majority (65%) had modified the original programme. Modifications included changes to sets, repetitions, progressions and frequency and were particularly common among elite teams. The main reasons for modifications were managing overall player load, experiences and beliefs and individualisation. Despite modifications, all teams followed the basic principles of the original programme.

Conclusion: The adoption of the Copenhagen Adduction Exercise by football teams is high, but the vast majority of teams modify the programme. Despite these modifications, the basic principles of the programme are maintained.