The effect of 9-week fifa 11+ warming program on injured risk determinants in female soccer players

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a 9-week FIFA 11+ warm-up program on injury risk determinants in female soccer players. Method: Twenty-four female soccer players aged between 17-30 years were included in the study. Players were allocated into two groups as FIFA 11+ and control. While the FIFA 11+ group received FIFA 11+ warm-up exercises for nine weeks, control group performed routine warm-up exercises. All subjects were assessed at baseline twice (with fatigue vs. without fatigue) and at the end of the study in terms of injury risk determinants of Functional Movement Screen (FMS), Y Balance Test (YBT), and side bridge test. Results: The groups were similar at baseline (p>0.05). Significant changes were detected in FMS scores and side bridge scores between the situations of with and without fatigue (p<0.05). While significant improvements were detected in FMS scores following both warm-up programs (p<0.05), YBT score improved only in FIFA 11+ group (p<0.05). Both programs were found ineffective for improving side bridge scores (p>0.05). No difference was detected between groups in the amount of changes of injury risk determinants (p>0.05). Injury incidence was found lower in the FIFA 11+ group compared to control group. No relationship was found between injury incidence during season and injury risk determinants which were evaluated at the baseline (p>0.05). Conclusion: According to our results, FIFA 11+ warm-up program seems effective for decreasing injury incidence. Moreover, fatigue has a negative effect on injury risk determinants which are demanding physical performance.