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Prediction of Knee Injury in Professional Soccer Players Using Core Endurance and Strength: A Cross-sectional Study

Although relationships between lower limb injury and core strength and endurance have been reported, limited research on the risk of knee injury specifically among soccer players exists. This study aimed to compare preseason trunk muscle endurance as well as trunk and hip muscle strength between soccer players who experienced knee in- jury during their season and those who did not. Dependent variables were also used to predict the risk for injury. This prospective cross-sectional study involved thirty-nine male soccer players (age 19.64±2.84 years, weight 73.94±15.66 kg and height 175.67±9.92 cm). By the end of the season, twelve (30.77%) reported knee injuries. Accordingly, two groups were identified and compared: injured and non-injured. Prone-bridge, side-bridge, trunk flexion and hor- izontal back extension hold times were used as trunk endurance measures, while peak isokinetic trunk flexor and extensor torques, as well as hip abductor and external rotator torques, were recorded as strength measures. MANOVA showed that only prone-bridge hold time was significantly higher in the non-injured players (p<0.05). Logistic re- gression showed that prone-bridge hold time and peak isokinetic hip abductor torque were significant predictors of injury (OR=0.97&0.03, respectively). Thus, soccer players with knee injuries have lesser core endurance. Reduced prone-bridge hold time and abductor torque, specifically, are associated with an increased risk of injury.