Thesis (MSc (Physiotherapy))--University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus), 2009 / Aim: The aim of the study was to review the current management of soccer injuries sustained by
professional players and how injury recurrence is prevented among Premier Soccer League
(PSL) players in RSA.
Study design: Cross sectional study, descriptive survey was followed, as it allowed the
researcher to observe and describe the factors that had contributed towards recurrent injuries, as
well as a qualitative approach with open ended questions where participant’s expressions
encountered during the study, were analyzed.
Population: The population of the study included all the medical team members in the PSL
teams. PSL has 16 teams. The medical team comprised of any combination of the following
members: the team doctor, physiotherapist, masseur, biokineticists, physical trainer,
chiropractors and podiatrist. Not all teams have the same combination nor all disciplines
mentioned.
Sample: Purposive sampling method was used, as the researcher selected main participants with
a specific purpose. Each of the PSL teams has 7 members from different disciplines therefore, all
available members of the medical team of each PSL teams participated in the study.
Data Analysis: Data was analyzed using SPPSS version 13.0.Data collected was loaded onto the
statistica program for processing. Frequency tables for all variables are given to demonstrate the
distribution of variables. Cross tabulation was also done to establish the relationship between the
predictor variables and the response. The Test Statistic CHI-Squared (χ 2 ) was calculated and pvalue
of less than 0.05 was determined for the significance. Frequency distribution tables,
graphs, and charts were used to analyze the data collected. Content analysis was used for
qualitative data.
Results: Main findings of the study reflected that the ankle was the most commonly affected
body part (69.2%) while the quadriceps and tendon achillies were both less commonly affected
v
(15.4%). The groin was found to incur most recurring injuries (69.2%). The results revealed that
injured players are adequately managed by the medical team (61.5%). Attainment of pain free
and full range of movement is the consideration for return to sport however less consideration
was given to the persistent biomechanical abnormality.
Conclusion: The study confirms that soccer injuries amongst Premier Soccer League (PSL)
teams are managed by qualified professionals. The attainment of a free, full range of movement
and adequate strength are used as criteria for return to sport and as a measure of preventing
injury recurrence. Factors such as players missing out on rich rewards, recognition and regaining
position in the team seem to have a great influence as well.
Recommendation: The primary recommendation for the player who has had multiple
recurrences is to address any underlying reversible risk factors such as poor strength and poor
flexibility. A session needs to be held with soccer administrators to advocate the avoidance of
factors contributing to recurrent injuries.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ul/oai:ulspace.ul.ac.za:10386/271 |
| Date | 29 May 2010 |
| Creators | Rapoo, Violet Matshake |
| Contributors | Taukobong, N P |
| Publisher | University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus) |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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