A study at the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre examined illness, sudden-onset and gradual-onset injuries among players in the Norwegian women’s premier league during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. It found that 32% of players reported at least one health problem at any given time. In addition, 22% reported a substantial issue that affected training volume or performance.
The overall incidence of health problems was 10.7 per 1000 hours of football exposure. Sudden-onset acute injuries accounted for most time loss (68%). Thigh injuries were the most common, representing 26% of all injuries.
However, knee injuries, especially anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, were the most severe. ACL injuries alone accounted for 30% of total injury time loss.
Overall, the study highlights the prevalence and impact of health problems in women’s football. In particular, it shows the importance of sudden-onset injuries and the severity of knee injuries, especially ACL injuries. These findings help guide strategies to prevent and manage health problems in elite women’s football.
Amundsen R, Thorarinsdottir S, Clarsen B, et al. #ReadyToPlay: health problems in women’s football–a two-season prospective cohort study in the Norwegian premier league. British Journal of Sports Medicine Published Online First: 15 November 2023. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-107141.
