Investigation of the effect of FIFA 11 + injury prevention training program on range of motion (ROM) and some motoric features in young football players

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of the FIFA 11+ injury prevention program applied to young football players on range of motion and certain motor skills. In this study, which used a pre-test post-test control group model from experimental research models, G*Power power analysis was performed to determine the sample size, and a total of 80 football players were included in the study. In data collection; a tape measure for height, a digital scale for weight measurement, a Sinar brand electronic photocell device for speed measurements, a Smart Speed Lite device for vertical jump, balance material for the flamingo balance test, a Sinar brand electronic photocell device placed on the field for agility testing, and finally, a goniometer for range of motion (ROM). The data were transferred to SPSS 30 for analysis, and it was determined that the data followed a normal distribution. The paired samples t-test was used to examine the differences between the experimental and control groups within each group between the pre-test and post-test. The applied protocol created statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups in the parameters of agility, vertical jump, 20-meter speed, hip flexion, hip hyperextension parameters (p<0.05), while no statistically significant differences were found in balance, 10-meter speed, 30-meter speed, and knee flexion parameters (p>0.05). In conclusion, the applied protocol was found to have a positive effect on some performance parameters of football players, but its effect on some parameters was limited. Based on these findings, it can be stated that the FIFA 11+ protocol offers positive contributions to some performance components beyond being merely an injury prevention program. Therefore, it is recommended to include it regularly in training programs.