SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Football”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2026

Dose-dependent white matter changes associated with repetitive head impacts in former American football players.

Repetitive head impacts sustained during American football have been associated with neuropathological changes such as white matter shear injuries. However, the impact of specific factors, such as age of first exposure and cumulative head impact burden, on white matter integrity remains unclear. This study investigated in vivo white matter microstructural changes using diffusion tensor imaging and tract-based spatial statistics in 165 male former American football players (mean age 57.3 years, range 45-74) and 52 unexposed asymptomatic male controls (mean age 59.4 years, range 45-74) in the DIAGNOSE CTE Research Project. Compared to controls, former football players exhibited significantly higher fractional anisotropy (FA) in 1.97% of the white matter skeleton (1552 voxels; Cohen's d = 0.587) and higher tissue-corrected FA (FAt) in 1.48% of the white matter skeleton (1004 voxels; Cohen's d = 0.616). No significant differences were observed for mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, radial diffusivity, or free water between football players and controls. Among football players, there were no significant differences in the white matter microstructure between players diagnosed with traumatic encephalopathy syndrome and those without the diagnosis. Lower FA was significantly associated with older age (P < 0.00001) and an earlier age of first exposure to tackle football (P < 0.01), while lower FAt was associated with greater cumulative head impact burden, specifically higher linear acceleration (P < 0.04) and rotational force (P < 0.02). This study highlights the influential role of exposure factors on white matter microstructure in former American football players, as well as the utility of diffusion tensor imaging to aid in characterizing the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts in contact sport athletes.

American football↗

PubMed1978

Football fatalities in actuarial perspective.

The relative risk of death among school and college varsity football players was calculated as a replication of a statistical exercise published a decade earlier. The purpose of the original exercise had been to demonstrate the epidemiological necessities and pitfalls in using fatality data to approach the hazardousness of sport. The purpose of this replication was to examine the stability of the findings of that exercise. In 1964, football was found not to constitute an additional risk of death to its participants compared to the overall mortality rate of young males adjusted for comparability by exposure to a football season. Further, compared to the automobile-related mortality rate of this population, football was much safer. In 1974 (and 1975), the frequency of football fatalities has declined, and the respective actuarial ratios consequently remained favorable to football. Fatality data, however, have limited utility in the search for preventive practices in sport. What is needed is continuous surveillance of all significant injuries and illnesses, using epidemiological principles.

Actuarial Analysis↗

PubMed1979

Major injuries in Norwegian football.

All Norwegian football players are insurance covered and most of the severe injuries occurring in Norwegian football are therefore reported to the Norwegian Football Association. Based on these reports a survey of major injuries in Norwegian football in the period 1970-1974 is given. This study has already led to recommendations to the Football Association in order to reduce the number of severe injuries. A more extensive registration form is now used which probably will give more and better information about injuries in Norwegian football in the future.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Rotational ligamentous injuries to the ankle in football.

It is the author's belief that supination injuries with tear of the talofibular ligament are the most frequent ankle ligamentous injuries encountered on the football field (Figure 4). However, the author believes that the more significant injury is the rupture of the tibiofibular ligament and interosseous ligament incurred in pronation and external rotation. (Figure 5). Twenty time-loss injuries of significance, encountered over a five year period in one football team, are presented. The mechanism of injury and the force encountered at the ankle during an interruption of the normal sequence of running and turning on the football field are presented. It is the author's opinion that rigid immobilization of the more significant injury is necessary in order to return the participant to active athletics within a reasonable length of time. It is hoped that this report will stimulate others to closely evaluate ankle injuries occurring on the football field.

Ankle Injuries↗

PubMed2026

Intervention components, training dose, and adherence in exercise-based prevention of hamstring strain injury in football: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify associations between exercise-based prevention programmes and hamstring strain injury (HSI) risk in football participants, and whether training dose and adherence modify effects. METHODS: Six databases were searched to 1 October 2025. Randomised and cluster-randomised trials comparing HSI prevention programmes with usual practice or warm-up in football participants were included. Random-effects meta-analysis pooled risk ratios (RRs); subgroup analyses and meta-regression assessed effect modification. RESULTS: Fifteen trials (n = 7,465) were analysed. Programmes reduced HSI risk (RR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.36-0.71), with I²=57% and a prediction interval crossing the null (0.18-1.40). Based on a control event rate of 7.8%, absolute risk reduction was 3.8% (38 fewer HSIs per 1000 participants; 95% CI 23-50 fewer). Effects were stronger for shorter interventions (1-6 months; RR = 0.43) than longer interventions (7-10 months; RR = 0.77; P for interaction=0.04), and for elite/semi-professional players (RR = 0.38) than amateur players (RR = 0.77; P for interaction = 0.02). Training frequency and weekly volume did not modify effects, whereas adherence did. High adherence (≥75%) was associated with lower HSI risk (RR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.28-0.48), whereas low adherence (<75%) showed no clear benefit (RR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.68-1.23; P for interaction <0.00001). Each 10% increase in adherence corresponded to an RR multiplier of 0.83 (approximately 17% lower RR). Certainty of evidence was low. CONCLUSION: Exercise-based programmes reduce HSI risk in football when implementation supports sustained adherence. Effects may be stronger in shorter interventions and elite populations, but evidence remains insufficient to differentiate programme types or components.

Humans↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Stereotypes of football players as a function of positions.

Sports experts agree that different football positions require different personality characteristics and a varied level of motor skill, e.g., quarterback position presumably demands a calm personality, a cerebral endowment, and great motor finesse. By contrast, some other positions may require sheer physical strength and a combative aggressive personality. This study investigated whether football coaches stereotype players according to their various positions and attempted to determine the profile, magnitude and consistency of such stereotyping on both personality traits and motor skill dimensions. This study also investigated the relationship between such stereotypes and the players' scores on psychological tests. On two separate occasions, each of six coaches rated thirteen football positions as to their players' motor skill and personality characteristics. Coaches were instructed to base their ratings on their actual experiences with the players of each position throughout their coaching careers. MMPI-derived scales and the 16 PF test were administered to 251 players. Test-retest correlation coefficients indicate that the six coaches were reliably stable in their stereotypes of the players. Coefficients of concordance indicate significant agreement among the coaches on the stereotypes. Only the 16 PF scores yielded a personality picture consistent with the coaches' stereotypes. Effect of such stereotyping on interpersonal relationships between coach and player are discussed.

Behavior↗

PubMed2026

Comparative Effectiveness of Exercise Interventions for Hamstring Injury Prevention in Football Players: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hamstring strain injury is a leading time-loss injury in football, yet trials have evaluated diverse exercise-based prevention programs with limited direct head-to-head evidence. This systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to compare the effectiveness of exercise-based interventions for preventing hamstring injuries in football players using exposure-adjusted incidence rate ratios. METHODS: We conducted a PRISMA-aligned systematic review and random-effects network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in football players comparing exercise-based interventions to prevent hamstring injuries. Searches covered PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Web of Science from inception to January 5, 2026. Interventions were modeled as separate nodes (Nordic hamstring exercise [NHE], FIFA 11, FIFA 11 + , FIFA 11 + Kids, bounding exercise program [BEP], usual training). The primary effect measure was incidence rate ratio (IRR) versus usual training, with ranking by P-scores; exploratory subgroup analyses were conducted by sex-restricted male-only evidence and age group. RESULTS: Eleven randomized controlled trials involving 9,282 participants were included. The network was connected but largely star-shaped, with most evidence comparing active interventions against usual training and no direct active-active comparisons. FIFA 11 + showed the most consistent exposure-adjusted association with reduced hamstring injury incidence versus usual training (IRR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.31-0.98; P-score = 0.84). FIFA 11 + Kids showed a favorable but imprecise estimate, whereas NHE showed a modest non-significant reduction and FIFA 11 and BEP showed no clear benefit. Male-only findings were broadly consistent with the primary analysis. Age-stratified analyses suggested that the apparent hierarchy was not fully identical across age strata, but subgroup networks were sparse and exploratory. RoB 2 judged three studies as high risk and eight as having some concerns; no trial was judged as overall low risk. Between-study heterogeneity was substantial, and treatment rankings were, therefore, interpreted cautiously. CONCLUSIONS: In this IRR-based network meta-analysis, FIFA 11 + showed the most consistent exposure-adjusted association with reduced hamstring injury incidence compared with usual training. However, certainty across the primary comparisons ranged from low to very low because of clinical and methodological heterogeneity, sparse direct evidence for several nodes, reliance on indirect active-active comparisons, substantial between-study heterogeneity, and moderate-to-high risk of bias across the included studies. The treatment hierarchy should, therefore, be interpreted as a low-to-very-low-certainty, population-level summary rather than as a basis for firm recommendations. Further well-reported, age- and population-specific head-to-head trials with consistent exposure, injury-definition, adherence, and intervention-dose reporting are needed. Registration Systematic review registration PROSPERO (CRD420251243576).

FIFA 11 + ↗

PubMed2026

Polygenic Profiles Are Associated with Multidomain Biochemical Adaptations Across a Competitive Season in Professional Football Players: A Longitudinal Observational Study.

Background/Objectives: The physiological adaptations required to sustain elite football performance are influenced by both genetic background and dynamic biochemical responses, although their interaction across a full competitive season remains insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to examine the association between polygenic profiles and longitudinal biochemical adaptations in professional football players. Methods: Forty male professional football players competing in the Spanish league were monitored across two consecutive seasons. Blood samples were collected at six time points representing different phases of the competitive cycle. Biomarkers related to muscle metabolism, iron status, and hepatic function were analyzed. Polygenic profiles were calculated using Total Genotype Scores (TGS) for muscle performance, hepatic resilience, and metabolic efficiency. Associations were initially explored using Pearson correlations and subsequently evaluated using linear mixed-effects models accounting for repeated measurements within subjects. Results: Exploratory correlation analyses identified several associations between polygenic profiles and biochemical markers. Muscle performance TGS was inversely associated with serum iron (r = -0.36, p = 0.017) and positively associated with CK (r = 0.32, p = 0.041), Hb (r = 0.29, p = 0.046), and Hct (r = 0.33, p = 0.024). Hepatic resilience TGS showed inverse associations with ALT (r = -0.39, p = 0.012), urea (r = -0.51, p = 0.011), and BUN (r = -0.51, p = 0.011). Metabolic efficiency TGS was negatively associated with AST (r = -0.43, p = 0.044), ALT (r = -0.33, p = 0.025), and GGT across multiple time points (p = 0.001-0.013). However, although several nominal associations emerged in linear mixed-effects models accounting for repeated measurements, none remained statistically significant after false discovery rate correction. These findings should therefore be interpreted as exploratory and hypothesis-generating. Conclusions: Polygenic profiles may be associated with inter-individual variability in biochemical adaptations throughout a competitive season. These findings suggest the integration of genomic and biochemical data in precision athlete monitoring, while highlighting causal relationships and predictive applications require further investigation.

Humans↗

PubMed1977

Skin diseases of football and wrestling participants.

This discussion has highlighted some of the cutaneous disorders that are found in football and wrestling participants in an exaggerated form. These disorders may occur in any person, of course, and are not limited to football or wrestling participants. Also, football and wrestling participants may have any cutaneous disorder; their disorders are not limited to those mentioned in this review. The dermatologist should be alert to contagous disorders in these participants, especially because of the close contact their activities necessitate and the potential epidemic spread of these disorders. One must also be alert to the possibility that a condition may be masked by the minor trauma of the sport. It is re-emphasized that these disorders are exaggerated because of the increased perspiration, heat, friction, secretion of fatty acids, body contact, special gear, climatic conditions, and trauma. Fortunately, the participants are normally healthy individuals who respond quickly to the appropriate therapy.

Acne Vulgaris↗

PubMed1975

Injuries of the cervical spine in football.

The neck is a vulnerable area in contact sports in general and in football in particular. The type of injuries encountered often vary with the age and development of the players. Five well-established mechanisms of injury have been identified. Most injuries appear to occur during the act of tackling when the well protected head sustains violent trauma which is transferred directly to the neck. The most dangerous single mechanism is that of flexion, but lateral deviation, extension and impaction also have been identified as mechanisms of injury. The pattern of injuries would suggest that several measures should be undertaken. First, coaches, officials and doctors associated with football teams need to be aware of the dangers of head-on tackling and the value of "heads-up" football to avoid flexion injuries. Deliberately butting players with the head or "spearing" is illegal but head-on tackling and blocking of the so-called "stick-blocking" type is specifically taught at the high school and college levels. In the immature neck this is a dangerous maneuver and should be discouraged. The development of strong neck musculature could reasonably be expected to prevent many neck injuries and isometric and resistance exercises to develop neck strength should be a part of all preseason conditioning. All players who have neck symptoms should be thoroughly evaluated both clinically and radiologically to rule out damage or predisposing structural weakness. This is particularly important in the atlanto-axial area in immature players. Finally, it is recommended that protective collars be worn by all players with a history of neck injury. The authors have gained the impression in surveying a large number of injuries that most serious neck injuries, particularly those involving fracture-dislocation are incurred in the act of open field tackling by defensive players making head-on tackles. Neck flexion is the usual mechanism. A light-weight sponge rubber collar is presently available. It is designed to be used to prevent extension and lateral flexion but it can be easily modified to extend anteriorly where it should aid in preventing the extreme flexion which is responsible for many serious injuries in the young players at the high school level.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2026

Regional ventricular enlargement as an in vivo biomarker of cumulative biomechanical neurodegeneration in former American football players.

INTRODUCTION: Repetitive head impacts (RHIs) have been linked to later life neurodegeneration, yet the in vivo structural correlates of cumulative biomechanical loading remain unclear. We examined whether regional ventricular morphology in former American football players reflects exposure burden and traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (TES) classification. METHODS: Participants included 170 male former football players and 54 age-matched asymptomatic male controls from the Diagnostics, Imaging, and Genetics Network for the Objective Study and Evaluation of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Research Project. Subject-specific manual segmentation quantified lateral ventricle, inferior horn, third ventricle, and fourth ventricle volumes. Group and exposure associations were tested using generalized least squares models. RESULTS: Former players showed larger left inferior lateral ventricle volume than controls, with the largest effects among professional players. Greater cumulative linear and rotational acceleration exposure was associated with enlargement across lateral ventricular and inferior horn regions. DISCUSSION: Regional ventricular enlargement may represent an in vivo marker of cumulative biomechanical loading after RHI exposure.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

External load metrics and monitoring in women's football match play: A systematic review.

This systematic review aimed to identify the most commonly used variables for monitoring external load during elite women's football matches and to compare reporting practices internationally and in Brazil. Searches were conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, and SciELO using the PICOS framework between February and March 2026, resulting in the inclusion of 35 studies. The main outcomes analysed were total distance covered (TD), distance covered across speed zones (HSR, VHSR, sprint), number of accelerations and decelerations, and maximum speed. TD and distance covered across speed zones were the most frequently reported indicators (94.3%), followed by HSR (82.8%) and sprint distance (68.5%). Considerable variability was observed in the classification of speed zones and thresholds used to define accelerations and decelerations, limiting comparisons between studies. External load values varied according to playing position and competition level, with international matches generally imposing greater demands than national competitions. Brazilian research remains limited and demonstrates notable methodological variability. This review proposes standardised speed and acceleration/deceleration thresholds based on the most recurrent ranges reported in the literature, supporting improved consistency in monitoring practices across elite women's football contexts.

Humans↗

PubMed1977

A study of the physical working capacity of Gaelic footballers and hurlers.

The possible contribution of endurance fitness to performance in the Gelic games, football and hurling, has been investigated. Two groups of 15 players were compared. The first consisted of members of teams reaching interprovincial finals and the second were similar members of comparable but less successful teams. The measurements taken were: height and weight, skinfold thicknesses on the triceps, biceps, subscapular and suprailiac sites, and the physical working capacity at a heart rate of 170 beats per minute (PWC 170). The more successful players were found to be taller and heavier and to have a higher PWC 170. There was no difference in estimated percentage of fat. The difference in PWC 170 of the two groups remained after correction for the difference in body weight. A group of seven of the players who participated in two or more finals was studied longitudinally. In six of these subjects PWC 170 was higher at the time of these matches than before or after. These findings are discussed and it is suggested that endurance fitness is a factor contributing to performance in football and hurling.

Body Weight↗

PubMed1975

Radiology of athletic injuries: football.

During a 17-year period, 33 injuries produced radiographic abnormalities in 26 members of a professional football team. Sites of injury were correlated with playing position and protective equipment worn at the time of injury. Fractures of multiple transverse processes of the lumbar spine are reported in offensive halfbacks and offensive ends. Two linebackers and one center sustained fractures of the mid-forearm. Several related reports of the morbidity and mortality of football injuries are also discussed.

Arm Injuries↗

PubMedDate not supplied

National football head and neck injury registry: report on cervical quadriplegia, 1971 to 1975.

Data on cervical spine injuries resulting from participation in football have been compiled by a national registry established in 1975. Information has been collected retrospectively by defined criteria since 1971. Efforts have been made to establish the mechanism of injury responsible in the majority of instances on the basis of epidemiologic evidence and recognized biomechanical principles. During the 5-year period, 77 deaths resulted from severe neck injuries. During this period, 1,275,000 players were exposed. Ninety-nine cervical fracture-dislocations resulting in permanent quadriplegia and 259 cervical fractures-dislocations occurred. There may be a "trend" towards an increase in permanent quadriplegia resulting from serious cervical spine injuries sustained while playing football. Apparently, the cause can be attributed to the helmet-face mask that has encouraged the use of the head as the primary point of contact in blocking, tackling, and head butting. The figures clearly identify defensive backs, linebackers, or specialty team members making tackles by using the head as the initial point of contact, as the individuals at greatest risk to sustain cervical spine injuries resulting in permanent quadriplegia.

Athletic Injuries↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Exposure to injury in major college football. A preliminary report of data collection to determine injury exposure rates and activity risk factors.

Five football teams from major colleges in the nation were surveyed during practices and games in the 1976 season. Data were collected on three packages of information designed as a computer program for tabulation, analysis, and storage of data. Investigators, with a thorough knowledge of football and trained in the use of the program, obtained the data from a given team during every drill, practice, and game of the season. Injury exposure rate was calculated as a ratio of injuries to minutes of exposure in 14 categories (12 specific drills, practice games, and other activities). Agility drills produced the fewest number of injuries for the amount of exposure time (exposure rate, 47,138; risk ractor, 1) and, therefore, it served as a base from which risk factors for all other categories would be calculated. No injuries were recorded in calisthenics. Practice games had the lowest injury exposure rate (1,009) and the highest risk factor (47). Analysis of data is incomplete at this time. The ultimate intent of the study is to help identify and eliminate harmful factors, establish norms, and provide a service to other schools that may desire exposure rate/risk factor data analyzed at a reasonable cost.

Athletic Injuries↗

PubMed1976

Selected visual abilities of college football players.

Relationships between visual abilities and athletic performance have been examined but reported findings are inconclusive and inconsistent. Data were collected from 40 volunteer college football players on horizontal peripheral vision, vertical peripheral vision, depth perception, and visual disembedding. No differences were found between varsity and junior varsity football players, indicating that relatively more successful players are not characterized by greater visual perception attributes.

Adult↗

PubMed1979

Isokinetic torque levels for high school football players.

One hundred fifteen high school football players were screened isokinetically for the knee extensor and flexor torque generating capabilities and muscle imbalances. Each player was tested on a Cybex II at speeds of 30 degrees/sec and 180 degrees/sec. The subjects were stratified by age (15, 16, 17) and by position (linemen vs receivers and backs). Significant (p less than 0.05) torque differences were observed at both the slow and fast speeds for the knee extensors and flexors across the 3 age groups. However, the flexion to extension ratios did not differ significantly. On the other hand, when considering the positions, flexor torque and flexion to extension ratio at the slow speed were greater (p less than 0.05) for the linemen than the receivers and backs. Partial correlation analyses showed that body weight had the greatest effect on the knee torque values. It was concluded that basic torque measures differed with age and by position in the sport of football. Also, speed of movement altered the force generating capabilities of the muscle and resultant ratios.

Adolescent↗