Low injury rate strongly correlates with team success in Qatari professional football

Br J Sports Med. 2013 Aug;47(12):807-8. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2012-091040. Epub 2012 Aug 17.

Abstract

Background: Although the incidence of football injuries should relate to team success there is little empirical evidence.

Objective: We investigated the relationship between injury incidence and team success in Qatar first-division football clubs.

Methods: Using a prospective cohort study design, we captured exposure and injuries in Qatar male elite football for a season. Club performance was measured by total league points, ranking, goal scored, goals conceded and number of matches won, drawn or lost.

Results: Lower injury incidence was strongly correlated with team ranking position (r=0.929, p=0.003), more games won (r=0.883, p=0.008), more goals scored (r=0.893, p=0.007), greater goal difference (r=0.821, p=0.003) and total points (r=0.929, p=0.003).

Conclusions: Lower incidence rate was strongly correlated with team success. Prevention of injuries may contribute to team success.

Keywords: Epidemiology; Soccer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Achievement
  • Athletic Injuries / epidemiology
  • Athletic Injuries / physiopathology
  • Athletic Injuries / prevention & control
  • Athletic Performance / physiology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Qatar
  • Soccer / injuries*
  • Soccer / statistics & numerical data