The prevalence, risk factors and management of musculoskeletal injuries in male amateur indoor soccer players in the eThekwini Municipality

Abstract

Background: Soccer is a popular sport played and viewed globally. Furthermore, indoor soccer has been gaining popularity, especially in South Africa. Investigating the prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal injuries associated with indoor soccer, creates an awareness among health practitioners and players, especially when there is limited literature on this sport. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries, the associated risk factors and effective management of musculoskeletal injuries in amateur male indoor soccer players in the eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa. Methodology: The study utilized a quantitative paradigm and a cross-sectional survey design. A total of 166 male participants, between the ages of 18 and 40 years, were recruited for this study. The sample population included amateur indoor soccer players from the eThekwini Municipality. The survey was distributed via links in which participants completed the survey. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 and exported into Microsoft Excel. Results: A total of 89 participants sustained musculoskeletal injuries due to indoor soccer. This resulted in a prevalence rate of 74.2% which indicates more than half of indoor soccer players sustain musculoskeletal injury. Muscle strains are seen as the most common injuries by accounting for 32.6% of the total injuries. The study further revealed that players are more likely to sustain an injury through twisting and turning playing mechanisms as 20.2% of injuries were sustained due to this mechanism of play. Playing with a chronic condition was regarded as a significant risk factor for musculoskeletal injuries. While 58.4% of injured participants implemented a management protocol, 38.5% utilized a home remedy as their management protocol. Conclusion: This study revealed that high musculoskeletal injury prevalence rate exists among amateur indoor soccer players, in the eThekwini Municipality. Male indoor soccer players are commonly prone to muscle strains and sprains with the knee being the most common site of injury. The twisting and turning playing mechanism utilized in indoor soccer appears to be a common mechanism that predisposes players to musculoskeletal injury. Players with chronic conditions should play with caution as chronic conditions may predispose players to injuries and exacerbate health conditions. Urgent measures are required to educate indoor soccer players on injuries and effective management as the results demonstrated high rates of injury and poor management protocols.