Authors: Hanna Lindblom, Sofi Sonesson, Kalle Torvaldsson, Markus Waldén, Martin Hägglund
Published: 2022-10-31
DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2022-105890
Source: Full article
ObjectiveTo evaluate the preventive efficacy of an extended version of theKnee Controlinjury prevention exercise programme (IPEP) compared with an adductor strength programme and to a comparison group using a self-selected IPEP in amateur adolescent and adult male and female football players.MethodsTwo-armed cluster-randomised trial with an additional non-randomised arm. All 251 amateur teams (players 14–46 years) in one regional football district were approached. Teams meeting inclusion criteria were randomised to (1) extendedKnee Controlor (2) an adductor strength programme. Teams already using an IPEP were allocated to a comparison group and received no new intervention. Players responded to weekly questionnaires about football exposures and injuries during a 7-month season.ResultsSeventeen teams in the extendedKnee Control, 12 in the adductor and 17 in the comparison group participated, with 502 players. For the primary outcomes, no difference in injury incidence in three lower-limb injury locations combined (hamstring, knee and ankle) was seen between extendedKnee Controland the adductor group, whereas extendedKnee Controlhad 29% lower incidence than the comparison group (incidence rate ratio 0.71, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.98). No between-group differences in groin injury incidence were seen. The weekly injury prevalence rates in the three lower limb locations combined (hamstring, knee and ankle) were 17% lower (prevalence rate ratio (PRR) 0.83, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.00) and 26% lower (PRR 0.74, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.87) in extendedKnee Controlcompared with the adductor and comparison groups, respectively.ConclusionNo difference in injury incidence was seen between the extendedKnee Controland the adductor programme whereas extendedKnee Controlreduced injury incidence by nearly one-third compared with a self-selected IPEP. Players in extendedKnee Controlhad lower injury prevalence compared with an adductor or self-selected IPEP.Trial registration numberNCT04272047; Clinical trials.