Key result
High specialization among female youth soccer players was associated with an increased likelihood of sustaining a serious injury compared with low specialization (OR 2.28; 95% CI 1.38-3.92; P=0.008).
Why the study?
To evaluate the association between serious injury and level of specialization in high-level female soccer players, and to compare specialization and college commitment ages across youth, Division I college, and professional athletes.
Does high soccer specialization increase the likelihood of serious injury in female youth soccer players?
Population
1,018 female soccer players in the United States (767 youth, 251 college/professional)
Comparison
Levels of soccer specialization and youth vs college/professional players
Design
Anonymous online survey study
Authors
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May warrant caution on high specialization in female youth soccer; leaves open prospective confirmation of causality.
Cross-Sectional (n=1,018)
Yes
Does high soccer specialization increase the likelihood of serious injury in female youth soccer players?
Odds Ratio: 2.28 (95% CI 1.38–3.92)
p-value: p=0.008
High specialization in female youth soccer players is associated with a significantly increased likelihood of sustaining a serious injury compared to low specialization.
Xiao et al. (2021) conducted a cross-sectional in Serious injury (n=1,018). High specialization vs. Low specialization was evaluated on Serious injury (≥3-month time loss) from soccer (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.38-3.92, p=0.008). High specialization among female youth soccer players was associated with an increased likelihood of sustaining a serious injury compared with low specialization (OR 2.28; 95% CI 1.38-3.92; P=0.008).