Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic-induced activity suspension on injuries among male university football players

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic-induced activity suspensions on injuries among male university football players during the course of the 2020 and 2021 seasons (affected by COVID-19) compared with the course of the 2019 season (a normal season). The incidence of injury was significantly lower in 2020 (1.10/1000 PH) whereas it was significantly higher in 2021 (7.28/1000 PH) in comparison to 2019 (3.62/1000 PH) the course of the pre-season period. The injury burden was significantly decreased in 2020 compared to 2019, while injuries by location showed a marked increase in 2021, particularly at the thigh. The duration of activity suspension and followed by the subsequent rapid increase in workload during the course of the pre-season may have contributed to the incidence and patterns of injuries.