Evaluation of injury rates in soccer players before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate injury rates among Serie A soccer players across three seasons, highlighting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Fifty-four professional soccer players in the Italian Serie were assessed over the course of three seasons, including the 2019/2020 season, which was affected by the pandemic. Injuries were categorized into muscular, skeletal, and articular, and were analyzed according to player roles (defenders, midfielders, and forwards). They were also stratified by the period of the competitive season: (1) preseason, (2) first half of the season, (3) second half of the season, and (4) end of the season. RESULTS: The results indicate a sharp increase in injuries during the post-COVID-19 season (2020/2021), with increases in articular injuries (65%), skeletal injuries (120%), and muscular injuries (65%), compared to the previous seasons. Among player roles, defenders were the most affected by injuries, with a notable increase in the second half of the post-COVID season (36% more injuries compared to the pre-COVID season). The injury rate among midfielders increased by 46% in the post-COVID season compared to the pre-COVID season, with the highest number of injuries occurring at the end of the season. CONCLUSIONS: This increased injury rate in defenders and midfielders, who often position themselves in the defensive zone, could be due to muscle mass loss. Further studies are needed to explore this aspect of injury epidemiology in soccer. Ultimately, careful, and gradual training is crucial for preventing injuries and maintaining the quality of soccer players' performances.