Incidência de lesões em atletas profissionais de futebol da cidade de Aracaju-Sergipe

Abstract

Soccer, the most practiced sport worldwide, is also one of the most associated with risk of injury due to the great physical demand imposed on athletes. Epidemiological studies are essential in this context to identify risk factors and to develop strategies to prevent and reduce costs. There are few studies in Brazil and even a reduced number involving smaller teams. Aims: To verify the incidence of injuries in professional soccer athletes in the city of Aracaju-SE and to identify associated factors. Methods: This is an observational, prospective cohort study involving 39 healthy athletes (of the 59 selected) that were followed for seven months and evaluated on three occasions (start of preseason and two evaluations with three months of interval between each) through data collection sheet and orthopedic physical examination. Results: Participants were 20 athletes from CSS and 19 from ADC, with mean age of 26 years (CI 95%: 25.2-28 years), and mean time of soccer career of 9.6 years (CI 95%: 7.9-11.3 years). The 13 (2.4 / 1000 hours) diagnosed injuries occurred almost exclusively in the lower limbs and thigh muscle stretch was the most common injury. Injuries were mostly mild to moderate (69%). Most athletes return to activities presenting symptoms. There was no significant association with any of the variables analyzed. Conclusion: Low incidence of injuries was observed in this study. Lower limbs were the most affected location and thigh stretch was the most common injury.