PhysioRoom.com Injury League Table Analysis: 2003/04 Season

1. Introduction
2. Total number of injuries for each club
3. Total injuries by type
4. Total number of muscle injuries by club
5. Injuries by anatomical muscle group
6. Hamstring strains by club

Muscle injuries (usually strains) were the most common injury type, accounting for 34% of all EPL injuries. This is consistent with previous research on soccer injuries. Muscle strains refer to a structural break in the continuity of muscle tissue. They are usually sustained during maximal effort – which is frequently required from players in the EPL. A previous history of having a muscle injury is the most reliable variable when attempting to predict future muscle injury. Fatigue is also a major contributing factor, so fixture congestion in EPL players is one reason why muscle injuries are so prevalent.

Ligament sprains are the next most common injury in EPL players. The collision and contact nature of EPL soccer means that these injuries (like fractures and contusions) are very difficult to prevent. However fatigue can be a factor in ligament injuries and on occasions a player can injure themselves due to an uncoordinated landing or twist. For this reason teams incorporate proprioception and plyometric training programmes in an effort to reduce these injuries. Unfortunately these tend not to be effective when players are asked to play three games in one week.

Meniscal injuries refer to cartilage tears of the knee and the increasingly well diagnosed acetabular labrum tears in the hip joint. The acetabular labrum tears may explain why there are more ‘meniscal' injuries than in previously published studies.

'Other' injuries and conditions included viral and bacterial infections and conditions such as appendicitis.

Total Injuries by Type - 2003/04

Total number of muscle injuries by club >

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