ACL Injury Prevention in Soccer Players: A Systematic Review of Training Protocols

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted at the University of Guilan in Rasht, Iran, has shed new light on the effectiveness of training protocols in preventing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in soccer players. The study examined 20 articles published between 2000 and 2025, focusing on ACL injury prevention in soccer players. The research concluded that ACL injury prevention programs incorporating both general warm-up routines and neuromuscular training appear effective in reducing the incidence of ACL injuries among soccer players.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that ACL injuries are among the most common injuries in athletes, particularly soccer players, with no single comprehensive program having been shown to be effective across all age groups and populations.
  • The reviewed articles highlighted the importance of incorporating both general warm-up routines and neuromuscular training in ACL injury prevention programs.
  • None of the reviewed studies found an increased risk of injury associated with these interventions.
  • The study noted the complexity and challenges involved in combining various exercise types, making it difficult to definitively determine the superiority of one approach over another.
  • The research included 10 studies focused on general warm-up routines and 10 studies investigating neuromuscular training programs.
  • The knee injury prevention programs were identified using both English and Persian keywords, including "prevent ACL injury," "knee injury prevention," and "neuromuscular training."
  • The search was carried out in both Persian and international databases, including Magiran, Medlib, ISC, SID, PubMed, Google Scholar, PEDro, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Irandoc.

Statistics:

  • 20 articles were selected for the review, with 10 focusing on general warm-up routines and 10 investigating neuromuscular training programs.
  • The search covered a 25-year period, from 2000 to 2025.
  • The concussion rate in soccer players participating in the reviewed studies ranged from 0-5%.
  • The injury prevention programs were effective in reducing the incidence of ACL injuries among soccer players.

Sources:

  • A Review of Training Protocols for Preventing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Soccer Players. Biyumikanik-i varzishi, 2025,11(1):46-62.
  • Islamic Azad University, Hamedan Branch. Biyumikanik-i varzishi - http://biomechanics.iauh.ac.ir/index.php?&slct_pg_id=10&sid=1&slc_lang=en
  • University of Guilan. Department of Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercise. Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences. Rasht, Iran.