Evaluation Awareness of Injury Prevention Strategies among Junior Male Malaysian Soccer Players

Abstract

The incidence of soccer injuries is high, especially in junior players, and effective injury prevention methods are needed.Purpose: The aim of the present study was to determine the level of general awareness and application of injury prevention strategies among junior male Malaysian soccer players.Fifty-five players from two Malaysian Sports School, age of 13.34 ± 0.47 years, body mass index of 20.96 ± 1.57 kg/m2, height 1.62 ± 0.07 m, with 4.46 ± 0.57 years playing experience, took a part in a questionnaire consisting of 39 items based survey. The questionnaire was discussed with schools physiotherapists before distribution to their junior players for completion on a voluntary basis and return to the authors. All data gathered from the questionnaire were processed using the (SPSS v19, Chicago), means ± SD and frequency distribution were calculated for all responses to the questionnaire.The data for the study were collected during the month of September and October, 2012. Questionnaires were distributed to 55 junior soccer players and responses were received from 50 players completed a questionnaire. A result showed in findings there was lacking knowledge about awareness of injury prevention strategies among junior male Malaysian soccer players. The results of this study indicate the need for a comprehensive assessment to determine whether these results are representative of the majority of junior soccer players. However, players need better education regarding injury prevention strategies and should include such interventions as part of their regular training.