Understanding Injuries in Young Female Soccer Players: A Narrative Review on Incidence, Mechanism, Location Risk Factors, and Preventive Strategies

[EN] There has been growing interest in understanding the injury profiles of young female soccer players due to their increasing participation in the sport and the unique risk factors they face. This narrative review examines the incidence, mechanisms, and location of injuries in this population, al...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Sánchez Sánchez, Javier, Raya González, Javier, Martin, Victor, Rodríguez Fernández, Alejandro
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universidad de León
Repositorio:BULERIA. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de León
OAI Identifier:oai:buleria.unileon.es:10612/25170
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/10612/25170
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Educación Física
Women
Football
Contact
Youth Sports
Severity
2411.06 Fisiología del Ejercicio
Descripción
Sumario:[EN] There has been growing interest in understanding the injury profiles of young female soccer players due to their increasing participation in the sport and the unique risk factors they face. This narrative review examines the incidence, mechanisms, and location of injuries in this population, alongside the primary risk factors and effective preventive strategies. Injury incidence is higher during matches than in training sessions, with contact injuries dominating in games and non-contact injuries prevailing in practice. Knee and ankle injuries are the most prevalent, with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries being particularly concerning due to their frequency and long-term impact. The interplay of intrinsic factors, such as hormonal fluctuations, anatomical characteristics, and biomechanics, with extrinsic factors like training load, surface type, and footwear significantly influences injury risk. Prevention programs, particularly those combining neuromuscular, balance, and strength training, demonstrate high efficacy, provided that adherence is maintained. Moreover, fostering awareness among players, coaches, and stakeholders about psychosocial factors and menstrual health further enhances injury prevention. Tailored strategies addressing the specific needs of young female soccer players are crucial to ensuring their safety, optimizing performance, and supporting their long-term athletic development.