The effect of long-term soccer training on left ventricular structure and function in elite male youth soccer players.

AIMS: Cardiac adaptations in elite, male adolescent youth soccer players have been demonstrated in relation to training status. The time course of these adaptations and the delineation of the influence of volatile growth phases from the training effect on these adaptations remain unclear. Consequently, the aims of the study were to evaluate the impact of 3 years of elite-level soccer training on changes in left ventricular (LV) structure and function in a group of highly trained elite youth male soccer players (SP) as they transitioned through the pre-to-adolescent phase of their growth. METHODS: Twenty-two male youth SP from the highest Level of English Premier League Academy U-12 teams were evaluated once a year for three soccer seasons as the players progressed from the U-12 to U-14 teams. Fifteen recreationally active control participants (CON) were also evaluated over the same 3-year period. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography was used to quantify LV structure and function. RESULTS: After adjusting for the influence of growth and maturation, training-induced increases in Years 2 and 3 were noted for: LV end diastolic volume (LVEDV; p = 0.02) and LV end systolic volume (LVESV; p = 0.02) in the SP compared to CON. Training-induced decrements were noted for LV ejection fraction (LVEF; p = 0.006) and TDI-S' (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: An increase in training volume (Years 2 and 3) were aligned with LV volumetric adaptations and decrements in systolic function in the SP that were independent from the influence of rapid somatic growth. Decrements in systolic function were suggestive of a functional reserve for exercise.

Unlocking the Potential: Increasing Muscle Strength in Lower Limbs of Youth Soccer Players over Five Weeks through Mat Pilates Training-A Pilot Study.

The interest in soccer generally starts during childhood, with children and young people often looking for opportunities in sports. New exercise techniques can be effective in improving training. The aim of this study was to compare the effects on the strength and physical posture of a group practicing Pilates with another not practicing Pilates, both undergoing continuous football training. In this controlled randomized clinical trial, the participants were 15 soccer club members, who had a training frequency of least three times weekly. The sample was divided into a control group (n = 7) of players who did not undergo any therapeutic intervention (only the usual training) and a Pilates group (n = 8) of players who participated in the mat Pilates program. The intervention consisted of fifteen sessions. Postural evaluations were performed using biophotogrammetry and force analysis. Significant improvements were obtained in terms of increased muscle strength (p = 0.001) for the Pilates group, but there were no significant postural alterations when comparing the two groups. Five weeks of mat Pilates was sufficient to increase lower limb muscle strength in young football players. This pilot study indicates that Mat Pilates as a method that could be planned to be included in training.

Disagreement between talent scouts: Implications for improved talent assessment in youth football.

Reliable talent identification and selection (TID) processes are prerequisites to accurately select young athletes with the most potential for talent development programmes. Knowledge about the agreement between scouts who play a key role in the initial TID in football is lacking. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the agreement within four groups of a total of n = 83 talent scouts during rank assessment of under-11 male youth football players (n = 24, age = 11.0 ± 0.3 years) and to describe scouts' underlying approach to assess talent. Krippendorff's α estimates indicated disagreement of scouts' rankings within all groups of scouts (αA = 0.09, αB = 0.03, αC = 0.05, αD = 0.02). Scouts reported relying mainly on their overall impression when forming their final prediction about a player. Reportings of a consistent, structured approach were less prevalent. Taken together, results indicated that different approaches to TID may be associated with disagreement on selection decisions. In order to overcome disagreement in TID, football organisations are encouraged to establish a more structured process. Future research on the elaboration and benefit of ranking guidelines incorporating decomposed and independently evaluated sub-predictors is recommended to improve the reliability of TID.

Injury incidence and risk factors in youth soccer players: a systematic literature review. Part I: epidemiological analysis.

The analysis of the epidemiological data and the risk factors underlying injuries is crucial to promote prevention strategies in young soccer players. The objective of the present study was to perform a systematic literature review on the epidemiological data, described in the first part, and injury risk factors, presented in the second part. After electronic database searching, articles in line with the inclusion criteria were selected for the systematic review. Epidemiological data were extracted and discussed in this first part of the review. Data were grouped as follows: injury incidence, injury severity, and re-injury, injury types, injury mechanisms, and anatomical location. The principal findings of this first part of the review are as follows: (1) injury incidence is higher in older players and during matches than during training; (2) sex and maturity status may increase risk of injury; (3) male soccer players are more prone to muscle strains and ligament sprains while female players suffer more ligament sprains; (4) most injuries are located in the ankle and thigh in young male soccer players, and in the ankle and knee in female players; (5) severe injuries are less frequent but the incidence increases in older players. Re-injuries represent only a small percentage. Although soccer is considered a safe sport, many injuries are recorded in young soccer players every year. Injury predisposition changes in relation to age, sex, and biological age. Coaches and physical trainers should be aware of individual differences in order to promote prevention strategies and personalised training.

Injury incidence and risk factors in youth soccer players: a systematic literature review. Part II: Intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors.

Injury is defined as a complex phenomenon determined by the non-linear interaction of several intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The objective of the present study was to perform a systematic literature review on the injury risk factors in young soccer players. After electronic database searching, articles in line with the inclusion criteria were selected for the systematic review. Injury risk factor data were extracted and grouped in intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors. The main findings of the current review are as follows: (1) alteration in neuromuscular control such as limb asymmetry and dynamic knee valgus are important intrinsic risk factors; (2) maturation status may impair neuromuscular control and increase the risk of injury; (3) fatigue and poor recovery contribute to the onset of overuse injuries; (4) the impact of anthropometric factors is still unclear; (5) previous injuries increase the risk of re-injuries; (6) highly skilled players are more exposed to risk of injuries; (7) high external workloads increase the risk of injuries; (8) playing position, as well as sport specialization, exposes young soccer players to greater injury risk. Many factors (e.g., neuromuscular control, training load, maturity status) can modify the susceptibility to injury in young soccer players. Being aware of the complex interaction between these factors is essential to identify players at higher risk of injury, develop adequate prevention strategies, and from a scientific point of view move from a reductionist to a complex system approach.

Effect of long-term soccer training on changes in cardiac function during exercise in elite youth soccer players.

It is unclear what the effect of long-term, high-volume soccer training has on left ventricular (LV) function during exercise in youth soccer players. This study evaluated changes in LV function during submaximal exercise in a group of highly trained male soccer players (SP) as they transitioned over a three-year period from pre-adolescent to adolescent athletes. Data were compared to age- and sex-matched recreationally active controls (CON) over the same time period. Twenty-two SP from two professional English Premier League youth soccer academies (age: 12.0 ± 0.3 years at start of the study) and 15 CON (age: 11.7 ± 0.3 years) were recruited. Two-dimensional echocardiography was used to quantify LV function during exercise at the same submaximal metabolic load (approx. 45%VO2peak ) across the 3 years. After controlling for growth and maturation, there were training-induced changes and superiority (p < 0.001) in cardiac index (QIndex) from year 1 in the SP compared to CON. SP (year 1: 6.13 ± 0.76; year 2: 6.94 ± 1.31; and year 3: 7.20 ± 1.81 L/min/m2 ) compared to CON (year 1: 5.15 ± 1.12; year 2: 4.67 ± 1.04; and year 3: 5.49 ± 1.06 L/min/m2 ). Similar training-induced increases were noted for mitral inflow velocity (E): SP (year 1: 129 ± 12; year 2: 143 ± 16; and year 3: 135 ± 18 cm/s) compared to CON (year 1: 113 ± 10; year 2: 111 ± 12; and year 3: 121 ± 9 cm/s). This study indicated that there was evidence of yearly, training-induced increases in left ventricular function during submaximal exercise independent from the influence of growth and maturation in elite youth SP.

Associations between biological maturity level, match locomotion, and physical capacities in youth male soccer players.

INTRODUCTION: Biological maturity level has shown to affect sport performance in youths. However, most previous studies have used noninvasive methods to estimate maturity level. Thus, the main aim of the present study was to investigate the association between skeletal age (SA) as a measure of biological maturation level, match locomotion, and physical capacity in male youth soccer players. METHOD: Thirty-eight Norwegian players were followed during two consecutive seasons (U14 and U15). Match locomotion was assessed with GPS-tracking in matches. SA, assessed by x-ray, physical capacities (speed, strength and endurance) and anthropometrics were measured in the middle of each season. Analysis of associations between SA, match locomotion, and physical capacities were adjusted for the potential confounding effect of body height and weight. RESULTS: In matches, positive associations were found between SA and maximal speed and running distance in the highest speed zones. Further, SA was associated with 40 m sprint time and countermovement jump (CMJ) height, and with intermittent-endurance capacity after adjusting for body height (U14). Associations between SA and leg strength and power, and between SA and absolute VO2max were not significant after adjusting for body weight. There was no association between SA and total distance covered in matches. CONCLUSION: Biological maturity level influence match locomotion and performance on physical capacity tests. It is important that players, parents and coaches are aware of the advantages more mature players have during puberty, and that less mature players also are given attention, appropriate training and match competition to ensure proper development.

Skill assessments in youth soccer: A scoping review.

Talent identification in youth soccer is a complex decision-making process that requires selectors to judge an individual's future potential. While there has been considerable research into the performance characteristics of talented players, investigators have limited consensus on the best approach to assess soccer skills. Most of the research explains why we should measure skill instead of how we go about assessing skill. Therefore, the current scoping review aimed to synthesize and analyse skill assessments in youth soccer. Four electronic databases (EBSCO, ProQuest, PubMed, and Scopus) were searched for relevant studies. Information regarding the sample characteristics and methodological design of the skill assessments were extracted, synthesised, and presented in a qualitative analysis. Overall, 226 skill assessments were used across the 93 included studies. Male players from different ages (U/7-U/23) and playing levels comprised most (89%) of the collective sample. The majority of assessments were performed in settings not representative of football match-play (68%), focused on offensive skills (99%), and included skill outcome measures (95%). The variability of assessments highlights some confusion about the best way to assess soccer skill, potentially limiting selectors ability to identify skilful players. Ultimately, this will impact the number of quality players within the talent pool.

Player-labelling as a solution to overcome maturation selection biases in youth football.

The fact that potentially skilled, but biologically later-maturing athletes are less likely to be selected into talent development programmes (TDP) can represent a failure of Talent Identification (TID) in sports. To overcome maturation selection biases, maturation independent TID should be established to include less mature, but talented athletes in TDP more frequently. Using a randomised parallel-group design, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of labelling under-11 (U11) Swiss male youth football players (n = 24, age = 11.0 ± 0.3 years) via maturation-ordered shirt numbers during rank assessment by talent scouts (n = 83, scout experience = 4.8 ± 2.4 years). Following observation of video recorded selection tournaments, player-labelling "informed" scouts were significantly more likely to rank less mature players higher on their player potential, t(81) = 2.57, p = .012, d = -0.6, 95% CI [-1.00, -0.13], than "uninformed" scouts. As altered rankings assisted less mature players, player-labelling may offer a practical and feasible strategy to improve TID by removing possible maturation selection biases. To address maturation selection biases and the potential positive impact of player-labelling more broadly, further research on both male and female athletes in various age categories and sports contexts is recommended.

Predictors of selection into an elite level youth football academy: A longitudinal study.

Talent identification in football is complex. Research regarding talent indicators that predict selection into professional academies is increasingly multi-disciplinary, though is typically cross-sectional, failing to consider whether the rate of change of those indicators influences selection. The aim of this study was to determine if longitudinal changes in talent indicators are associated with selection into a professional football academy. A total of 110 Dutch male football players (aged 8-12) playing in a youth development programme of a professional club were included in the study. Players were assessed regularly on their anthropometry, physical fitness, gross motor coordination, technical ability, and psychosocial capacities over four years. A subset of players was then selected into the academy. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses revealed the indicators that best predicted selection. The best indicator was the 30 m sprint speed, with prediction not improving when including other predictors or their rate of change. The individuals that the club ultimately selected at age 12 could have been predicted well above chance levels using the sprint speeds at age nine or ten. The relative consistency of the rate of improvement in indicators across participants meant that the rate at which they developed played little role in selections.

Rehabilitation and successful return to play of a 17-year old elite soccer player with juvenile osteochondritis dissecans trochlear groove lesion of the knee: A case report.

This case summarizes the rehabilitation and return to play management of a 17-year-old elite male soccer player who required surgical stabilization of an Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) lesion of the trochlea groove. Trochlea groove lesions represent <1% of OCD cases, resulting in limited evidence to inform practice. The case was initially identified as antalgic running gait, and at this point the player revealed progressively worsening knee pain (over preceding 2 months) which presented as patellofemoral pain with a small knee effusion and quadriceps atrophy present on assessment. No improvement in symptoms after 2 weeks of unloading (no running) and traditional patellofemoral treatment prompted magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans to inform surgical intervention. We present a summary of the four-stage rehabilitation process defined by objective assessments, resulting in a successful return-to-play 24 weeks post-surgery. This case advocates consideration of OCD in the assessment of persistent knee pain in young athletes.

The influence of training status on right ventricular morphology and segmental strain in elite pre-adolescent soccer players.

Cardiac modifications to training are a product of the genetic pre-disposition for adaptation and the repetitive haemodynamic loads that are placed on the myocardium. Elite pre-adolescent athletes are exposed to high-intensity training at a young age with little understanding of the physiological and clinical consequences. It is unclear how right ventricular (RV) structure and function may respond to this type of stimulus. The aim of this study was to compare RV structure and strain across the cardiac cycle and within individual segments in elite soccer players (SP) and controls (CON). METHODS: Twenty-two highly trained, male pre-adolescent SP and 22 age-and sex-matched recreationally active individuals CON were investigated using 2D echocardiography, including myocardial speckle tracking to assess basal, mid-wall, apical and global longitudinal strain and strain rate during systole (SRS) and diastole (SRE and SRA). RESULTS: greater RV cavity size was identified in the SP compared to CON (RVD1 SP: 32.3 ± 3.1 vs. CON: 29.6 ± 2.8 (mm/m2)0.5; p = 0.005). No inter-group differences were noted for peak global RV strain (SP: - 28.6 ± 4.9 vs CON: - 30.3 ± 4.0%, p = 0.11). Lower mid-wall strain was demonstrated in the SP compared to CON (SP: - 27.9 ± 5.8 vs. CON: - 32.2 ± 4.4%, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Soccer training has the potential to increase RV size in pre-adolescent players. The unique segmental analyses used in this study have identified inter-group differences that were masked by global strain evaluations. The clinical and physiological implications of these findings warrant further investigation.

Physical capacity, not skeletal maturity, distinguishes competitive levels in male Norwegian U14 soccer players.

The main aim of the present study was to compare skeletal maturity level and physical capacities between male Norwegian soccer players playing at elite, sub-elite and non-elite level. Secondary, we aimed to investigate the association between skeletal maturity level and physical capacities. One hundred and two U14 soccer players (12.8-14.5 years old) recruited from four local clubs, and a regional team were tested for bone age and physical capacities. Bone age was estimated with x-ray of their left hand and used to indicate maturation of the skeleton. Players went through a comprehensive test battery to assess their physical capacities. Between-groups analysis revealed no difference in chronological age, skeletal maturity level, leg strength, body weight, or stature. However, elite players were superior to sub-elite and non-elite players on important functional characteristics as intermittent-endurance capacity (running distance: 1664 m ± 367 vs 1197 m ± 338 vs 693 m ± 235) and running speed (fastest 10 m split time: 1.27 seconds ± 0.06 vs 1.33 seconds ± 0.10 vs 1.39 seconds ± 0.11), in addition to maximal oxygen uptake ( V ˙ O 2 m a x ), standing long jump, and upper body strength (P < .05 for all comparisons). Medium-to-large correlations were found between skeletal maturity level and peak force (r = 695, P < .01), power (r = 684, P < .01), sprint (r = -.471, P<.001), and jump performance (r = .359, P < .01), but no correlation with upper body strength, V ˙ O 2 m a x , or intermittent-endurance capacity. These findings imply that skeletal maturity level does not bias the selection of players, although well-developed physical capacity clearly distinguishes competitive levels. The superior physical performance of the highest-ranked players seems related to an appropriate training environment.

Cross-sectional comparison of body composition and resting metabolic rate in Premier League academy soccer players: Implications for growth and maturation.

For the first time we aimed to: (1) assess fat-free mass (FFM) and RMR in youth soccer players, (2) compare measured RMR to estimated RMR using previously published prediction equations, and (3) develop a novel population-specific prediction equation. In a cross-sectional design, 99 males from a Premier League academy underwent assessments of body composition (DXA) and RMR (indirect-calorimetry). Measured RMR was compared to estimated values from five prediction equations. A novel RMR prediction equation was developed using stepwise multiple regression. FFM increased (P<0.05) between U12 (31.6±4.2 kg) and U16 (56.3±5.3 kg) after which no further increases occurred (P>0.05). RMR in the U12s (1655±195 kcal.day-1), U13s (1720±205 kcal.day-1) and U14s (1846±218kcal.day-1) was significantly lower than the U15s (1957±128 kcal.day-1), U16s (2042±155 kcal.day-1), U18s (1875±180 kcal.day-1) and U23s (1941±197 kcal.day-1) squads (P>0.05). FFM was the single best predictor of RMR (r2=0.43; P<0.01) and was subsequently included in the novel prediction equation: RMR (kcal.day-1) = 1315 + (11.1 x FFM in kg). Both FFM and RMR increase from 12-16 years old, thus highlighting the requirement to adjust daily energy intake to support growth and maturation. The novel prediction RMR equation developed may help to inform daily energy requirements.

Psychosocial outcomes associated with soccer academy involvement: Longitudinal comparisons against aged matched school pupils.

Despite literature highlighting numerous risks to the healthy psychosocial development of youth elite academy soccer players, little of this research is based on high-quality research designs. This study employed a prospective longitudinal cohort design to track psychosocial outcomes of academy involvement within male youth elite soccer players (n = 33, U12-U16 age groups) compared to age-matched soccer-active school pupils (n = 44) over 12 months. Participants completed questionnaires assessing the most commonly raised psychosocial concerns at four equally spaced data collection periods (T1-T4). Repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVAs) indicated that, over the year, both groups reported a healthy and improving stress and recovery balance, as well as positive and stable needs satisfaction and physical, psychological and social well-being. Academy players reported stable positive school-related quality of life, whereas school pupils reported increases from T3 to T4. Academy players reported consistent significantly higher total athletic identity and exclusivity of identity. Findings suggest that many concerns around negative psychosocial impacts of soccer academy involvement did not materialise in this context. However, heightened athletic identities remained a concern.

Psychological characteristics of developing excellence in elite youth football players in English professional academies.

This mixed-longitudinal prospective study examined the development of psychological characteristics of developing excellence in relation to the career progression of elite youth football players. In a 20-month period, 111 academy football players aged 11-16 completed the Psychological Characteristics of Developing Excellence Questionnaire (PCDEQ) on 1-5 occasions. This combination of single and repeated assessments resulted in a mixed-longitudinal sample of 226 completed PCDEQs. Players were then prospectively tracked, and their scholarship status assessed at follow-up, at age U17. Multilevel modelling revealed that coping with performance and developmental pressures scores increased with age, and that Category 1-2 academy scholars (4.35 ± 0.61) scored higher than Category 3-4 academy scholars (3.99 ± 0.67) and non-scholars (4.02 ± 0.78) (p < .05). Evaluating performances and working on weaknesses scores increased with age for Category 1-2 academy scholars (U12-U14 vs. U15-U16 = 5.16 ± 0.48 vs. 5.38 ± 0.45), compared to non-scholars (U12-U14 vs. U15-U16 = 5.11 ± 0.59 vs. 5.03 ± 0.71) (p < .05). Imagery use during practice and competition scores decreased with age (U12-U14 vs. U15-U16 = 4.45 ± 0.66 vs. 4.29 ± 0.70) (p < .05). A blend of PCDEs may facilitate optimal career progression. Football academies should develop players' PCDEs, with a particular focus on developing their coping skills and their ability to realistically evaluate performances and work on weaknesses.

Can A Superimposed Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Intervention Enhance the Effects of a 10-Week Athletic Strength Training in Youth Elite Soccer Players?

Strength training in youth soccer has both a preventive and a sports-specific component. Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) could represent an interesting time-saving add-on to classical strength exercises in performance-oriented soccer. The objective of this study was to find out whether a 10-week superimposed WB-EMS training might have a more positive impact on strength parameters in male youth elite soccer players than regular athletic strength exercises alone. A total of 30 male youth soccer players from a youth academy aged 15 to 17 years participated in the study. Before and after the intervention, the isometric extension and flexion forces of trunk and knee, and the hip abduction and adduction forces were tested. Twelve players (control group) absolved a conventional 20-minute strength training once a week for a period of ten weeks. Eighteen players absolved the same exercises but with superimposed WB-EMS. Blood creatine kinase concentration was measured for training control. ANOVAs, Friedman tests and post hoc t-tests were calculated (p = 0.05) to examine the strength development during the training period between the groups. While we could not find significant strength increases in the leg, hip and trunk muscles in the control group (<4%), the strength of the WB-EMS group improved significantly in 4 of the 6 muscle groups tested. In this group, the strength of knee flexors increased significantly by 20.68 ± 21.55%, knee extensors by 31.43 ± 37.02%, hip adductors by 21.70 ± 12.86% and trunk flexors by 33.72 ± 27.43%. The rates of strength increase are partly in line with other studies, partly clearly higher, which might be explained by the athletically active target group. A 10-week superimposed WB-EMS training improves the strength of certain leg, hip and trunk muscles in male adolescent elite soccer players to a greater extent than a pure athletic strength training of the same duration.

Left ventricular function during exercise in trained pre-adolescent soccer players.

It is unclear, what the underlying cardiovascular mechanisms are that give rise to the high level of aerobic fitness seen in youth soccer players. The aim of the study was to evaluate global and regional markers of systolic and diastolic function in a group of pre-adolescent soccer players during an incremental exercise test. Twenty-two, male soccer players (SP) from two professional soccer clubs (age: 12.0 ± 0.3 years) volunteered for the study. Fifteen recreationally active boys (CON), of similar age (age: 11.7 ± 0.2 years) were also recruited. All boys underwent a cycle ergometer test to exhaustion. Cardiac dimensions were determined using M-mode echocardiography. During submaximal and maximal exercise, continuous-wave Doppler ultrasound techniques were used to derive stroke volume (SVIndex). Tissue-Doppler imaging was used to quantify systolic (S'adj) and diastolic function (E; E'adj and E/E') at rest and both submaximal and maximal exercise intensities. Speckle tracking echocardiography was used to determine peak longitudinal ε at submaximal exercise intensities. SP demonstrated significantly (P ≤ 0.05) greater peak VO2 values than CON (SP: 48.0 ± 5.0 vs CON: 40.1 ± 7.5 mL/kg/min). Allometrically scaled to body surface area left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) was larger (P ≤ 0.05) in the SP (51.3 ± 9.0) compared to CON (44.6 ± 5.8 mL·BSA1.5 ). At the same relative, submaximal exercise intensities, the SP demonstrated greater SVIndex, cardiac output (QIndex), and E. No differences were noted for peak longitudinal ε during submaximal exercise. Factors that augment pre-load and LV volume appear to determine the superior aerobic fitness seen in the soccer players.

Multilevel modelling of longitudinal changes in isokinetic knee extensor and flexor strength in adolescent soccer players.

The purpose of the study was to model the longitudinal development of knee extension (KE) and flexion (KF) strength in adolescent soccer players. A mixed-longitudinal sample composed of 67 soccer players aged 11.0-13.9 years at baseline was followed on three-to-five occasions over 5 years. Stature, body mass and several skinfold thicknesses were measured. Fat mass was estimated from skinfolds and fat-free mass (FFM) derived. Skeletal age was estimated with the TW2-RUS protocol. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to obtain peak torque of KE and KF from concentric assessments at an angular velocity of 180°/s. Multilevel random effects regression analyses were performed. Among youth soccer players aged 11-16 years, isokinetic strength of the knee muscle groups was reasonably predicted from chronological age (CA), stature and FFM: KE = -66.170 + 5.353 × (CA) + 0.594 × (CA2) + 0.552 × (stature) + 1.414 × (FFM), and KF = -9.356 + 2.708 × (CA) + 1.552 × (FFM). In conclusion, CA per se accounted for annual increments of 5.4 Nm in KE and 2.7 Nm in KF.

Dynamic balance asymmetries in pre-season injury-prevention screening in healthy young soccer players using the Modified Star Excursion Balance Test-a pilot study.

[Purpose] The purpose of this preliminary study was to investigate whether young players with no history of injury, have developed early asymmetries in dynamic balance ability tested via the recommended for screening in sports, Modified Star Excursion Balance Test (MSEBT). [Participants and Methods] Twenty-four young healthy male soccer players participated in the study having at least 4 years of systematic soccer training. The Waterloo Footedness Questionnaire was used to discriminate the stability dominant leg (STAB) from the non-stability dominant leg (NSTAB). Dynamic balance was assessed via the MSEBT. Participants, after familiarization, made 3 attempts in each direction for both legs: a) Anterior (AN), b) Posterolateral (PL) and c) Posteromedial (PM). [Results] The sole statistically significant performance asymmetry was in the PL direction, in favor of the STAB (94.5 ± 13.3 cm vs. 98.1 ± 10.4 cm). [Conclusion] The results of this pilot study showed a potential for developing dynamic balance asymmetries, in soccer players at the age of 13-14 years. Since asymmetry was significant in only one direction, further long term monitoring would be helpful to evaluate whether this is a growing functional deficit, potentially involving any of the other two directions of testing or if it is alleviated with increasing training age. These asymmetries could comprise an injury risk factor.