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Sports Injury: Clinical Prevention and Treatment

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Sports Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 June 2025 | Viewed by 6222

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Faculty of Health Sciences, European University of Atlantic, 39011 Santander, Spain
Interests: futsal; sports performance; training load; injury epidemiology; injury risk; training methods; menstrual cycle; female performance

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Guest Editor
Faculty of Health Sciences, European University of Atlantic, 39011 Santander, Spain
Interests: physical exercise; sedentarism; obesity; lifestyle; health sciences

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Guest Editor
Department of Sports Sciences, Exercise and Health, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Interests: long-term athlete development; team sports; talent identification; development; skill acquisition; coach education; talentid; performance analysis; injury prevention
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on advances in movement training, injury prevention, and exercise-based recovery, with a strong emphasis on adolescents and their specific developmental challenges. Concepts like biobanding and peak height velocity are key to understanding how growth spurts influence physical development, performance, and injury risk in young athletes. High-quality research in sports science, performance monitoring, and intervention strategies is prioritized to explore these topics. We also consider exercise-based training programs, along with the validation of emerging technologies related to injury prevention and recovery, particularly within the sports context. Beyond physical adaptations, this Special Issue emphasizes injury prevention strategies for adolescents, the importance of adherence to training programs, and the psychosocial factors influencing athlete development. Contributions from international experts will help define global "best practices" for coaches, trainers, and strength and conditioning professionals in the management and rehabilitation of athletes.

Dr. Carlos Lago-Fuentes
Dr. Susana Pulgar
Prof. Dr. Nuno Leite
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • injury prevention
  • team sports
  • talent identification
  • biobanding
  • injury burden
  • muscle injury
  • PHV

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Review

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19 pages, 267 KiB  
Review
The Impact of Concussions on Neuromuscular Control and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk in Female Soccer Players: Mechanisms and Prevention—A Narrative Review
by Georgios Kakavas, Nikolaos Malliaropoulos, George Skarpas and Florian Forelli
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(9), 3199; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14093199 - 5 May 2025
Viewed by 615
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Soccer players, particularly females, exhibit an increased risk of both concussions and Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries. Emerging evidence suggests that neurcognitive deficits following concussions may impair neuromuscular control, increasing ACL injury susceptibility. This study aims to explore the interplay between concussions, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Soccer players, particularly females, exhibit an increased risk of both concussions and Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries. Emerging evidence suggests that neurcognitive deficits following concussions may impair neuromuscular control, increasing ACL injury susceptibility. This study aims to explore the interplay between concussions, neuromuscular deficits, and ACL injury risk, while proposing targeted prevention strategies. Methods: A comprehensive review of current literature was conducted to analyze the biomechanical and neurophysiological impact of concussions on ACL injury risk. Key areas investigated include the effect of sub-concussive impacts on proprioception, reaction time, and postural stability, as well as sex-based differences in injury susceptibility. Results: Findings indicate that post-concussion neuromuscular impairments—such as altered proprioception, delayed reaction times, and compromised joint stability—heighten ACL injury risk. Female athletes, due to biomechanical and hormonal factors, are particularly vulnerable. Preventive measures, including neuromuscular training, cervical spine strengthening, and optimized return-to-play protocols, are essential to mitigate these risks. Conclusions: Longitudinal research is needed to further elucidate the connection between head trauma and ACL injuries. Implementing evidence-based interventions and policy changes, such as modifying heading exposure in youth athletes, may enhance player safety and reduce long-term injury burden in female soccer players. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Injury: Clinical Prevention and Treatment)
17 pages, 552 KiB  
Review
Rethinking the Assessment of Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition After ACL Reconstruction: Implications for Return-to-Sport Decision-Making—A Narrative Review
by Florian Forelli, Ayrton Moiroux-Sahraoui, Jean Mazeas, Jonathan Dugernier and Adrien Cerrito
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(8), 2633; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14082633 - 11 Apr 2025
Viewed by 2504
Abstract
Arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) is a neuromuscular impairment commonly observed following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). This condition, characterized by persistent quadricep inhibition due to altered afferent feedback, significantly impacts neuromuscular recovery, delaying return to running and sport. Despite advancements in rehabilitation strategies, [...] Read more.
Arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) is a neuromuscular impairment commonly observed following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). This condition, characterized by persistent quadricep inhibition due to altered afferent feedback, significantly impacts neuromuscular recovery, delaying return to running and sport. Despite advancements in rehabilitation strategies, AMI may persist for months or even years after ACLR, leading to muscle strength asymmetries, altered biomechanics, and an increased risk of reinjury. The mechanisms underlying AMI involve both peripheral (joint effusion, mechanoreceptor dysfunction) and central (corticospinal inhibition, neuroplasticity alterations) components, which collectively hinder voluntary muscle activation and movement control. AMI alters gait mechanics, reduces knee stability, and promotes compensatory patterns that increase injury risk. Current return-to-sport protocols emphasize strength symmetry and functional performance but often neglect neuromuscular deficits. A comprehensive assessment integrating neuromuscular, biomechanical, and proprioceptive evaluations is needed at specific stages to optimize rehabilitation and minimize reinjury risk. Future research should explore targeted interventions such as neuromuscular stimulation, cognitive–motor training, and advanced gait analysis to mitigate AMI’s impact and facilitate a safer, more effective return to sport. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Injury: Clinical Prevention and Treatment)
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16 pages, 413 KiB  
Systematic Review
Effectiveness of Neuromuscular Training in Preventing Lower Limb Soccer Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Maria Stergiou, Alberto Lorenzo Calvo and Florian Forelli
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(5), 1714; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14051714 - 4 Mar 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2771
Abstract
Background: Soccer is associated with a high risk of injuries, mainly affecting the lower limbs, leading to significant consequences for player performance and career longevity. Neuromuscular training (NMT) has been proposed as an effective preventive strategy, but its impact varies across different [...] Read more.
Background: Soccer is associated with a high risk of injuries, mainly affecting the lower limbs, leading to significant consequences for player performance and career longevity. Neuromuscular training (NMT) has been proposed as an effective preventive strategy, but its impact varies across different populations and implementation strategies. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus identified randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and systematic reviews examining the effects of NMT on lower limb injury prevention in soccer players. Study quality was assessed using the Downs and Black tool, and injury incidence rate ratios were analyzed. Results: Eleven studies, encompassing over 10,000 soccer players, were included. NMT interventions, particularly FIFA 11+, significantly reduced injury rates compared to standard warm-ups. Higher adherence and coach education enhanced program effectiveness. Female players benefited more, particularly in ACL injury prevention. No significant differences were observed between shorter (10 min) and standard (20 min) NMT protocols. Conclusions: NMT effectively reduces lower limb injuries in soccer, with adherence and proper coaching being key determinants of success. Future research should optimize program design and long-term adherence strategies to maximize benefits across all player demographics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Injury: Clinical Prevention and Treatment)
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