The primary purposes were (a) to estimate the pooled effects of injury prevention programs (IPPs) on reducing overall and some specific body regions (lower extremity, thigh, knee, and ankle) injury incidence rates (IIRs) and (b) to compare the effects of single- and multi-component IPPs on mitigating injury risk in youth team sport athletes. A secondary objective was to explore the individual effects of different components on these IIRs. Searches were performed up to 15 January 2024 in PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Library. Eligible criteria were: exercise-based interventions evaluated against a control group, overall IIRs were reported, and youth (≤19 years old) team sport players. Two reviewers extracted data and assessed trial quality using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale (PEDro), and a risk of bias tool (Cochrane Back and Neck Group). Pooled effects were calculated by Frequentist random effects pairwise and network meta-analyses. Twenty-one studies were included. IPPs reduced overall, lower extremities, thigh, knee, and ankle IIRs by an average of approximately 35%. Most of the IPPs demonstrated statistically significant risk mitigation effects for overall and lower extremity injuries compared to control group. Interventions comprised exclusively of strength ([IRR = 0.3 [95%CI = 0.10-0.93]) and flexibility (IRR = 0.49 [95%CI = 0.36-0.68]), as well as those including stability exercises, were the most effective measures for reducing injuries in youth team sports. The implementation of current IPPs in training sessions for several weeks has shown to be an effective strategy for reducing the risk of injury in youth team sport athletes by one-third. Indirect evidence suggests that strength, flexibility, and stability might be exercise components with the highest risk mitigation effects; however, more research is crucial to confirm our estimates with direct evidence.

To explore the incidence, burden, and pattern of injuries in Spanish male youth soccer players during a 9-month competitive season (from September to May-June). Prospective cohort study. 314 young (10-19 years) soccer players. Incidence, burden, location, type, severity, mechanism, and circumstance of injuries, as well as potential differences by tactical position, month of the year, age group, and maturity status. A total of 146 time-loss injuries were sustained by 101 different players. This resulted in an overall injury incidence of 3.1 injuries per 1000 h, a training injury incidence of 1.8 injuries per 1000 h, and a match injury incidence of 11.2 injuries per 1000 h. The probability of injury over the season was 34%. Most of the injuries affected the lower extremity and were classified as muscle/tendon injuries, with hamstring muscle injuries representing the most burdensome diagnosis. The incidence of injuries increased with age and maturation, but a heightened risk of overuse injuries during periods around peak height velocity was also identified. These findings suggest a need for implementing specific injury prevention measures. Due to the high burden shown, these measures should mainly focus on reducing the number and severity of hamstring muscle injuries.

Landing from a jump has been identified as a common situation of increased risk in sport and the tuck jump assessment (TJA) has been proposed for a comprehensive examination of landing mechanics. However, group-specific data on female athletes are limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the movement mechanics during a TJA in Spanish female soccer players and to explore potential differences between players of different performance levels. A total of 96 (elite and non-elite) female soccer players performed a TJA, and a rater visually graded the technique using the modified 10-item scoring system (0, 1, or 2 for “none”, “small”, or “large” flaws). Descriptive statistics were calculated. The association between the flaws and performance groups was assessed using the chi-square test. Almost 90% of all players involved were categorized with small and large flaws for the item “Lower extremity valgus at landing”. The proportion of players categorized with technical flaws was also high for “Foot contact timing not equal” (85%) and “Does not land in same footprint” (82%). Differences between elite and non-elite players were only found for “Foot placement not parallel” and “Excessive landing contact noise” (p < 0.008). These results reveal the importance of implementing training programs to reduce jumping and landing deficits in female soccer players, independently of the players’ level of performance.