Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center

Main content of the page

Information about project titled 'Association between psychological factors and injuries in young female football players'

Association between psychological factors and injuries in young female football players

Details about the project - category Details about the project - value
Project status: Published
Project manager: Kathrin Steffen
Supervisor(s): Roald Bahr
Coworker(s): Anne Marte Pensgaard

Description

Identifying and understanding injury risk factors are necessary to target the injury-prone athlete and develop injury prevention measurements. The influence of psychological factors on injuries in football is poorly documented.

 

The purpose of this eight-month prospective cohort study therefore was to examine whether psychological player characteristics assessed by a self-administered questionnaire represent risk factors for injury.

 

Method: At baseline, female football players (14-16 years) were asked to complete a detailed questionnaire covering player history, previous injuries, perception of success and motivational climate, life stress, anxiety and coping strategies. During the 2005 season, a total of 1 430 players were followed up to record injuries.

 

Results: A history of a previous injury (OR=1.9 [1.4; 2.5], P<.001) increased the risk of a new injury to the same region. There were significant differences in disfavor for previously injured compared to non-injured players for ego orientation (P=.007), perception of a performance climate (P=.003) and experienced stressful life events (P<.001). However, only high life stress (P=.001) and perception of a mastery climate (P=.03) were significant risk factors for new injuries.

 

In conclusion, a perceived mastery climate and a high level of life stress were significant predictors for new injuries in a cohort of young female football players.