A total of 4,789 injuries recorded among Qatar Stars League players

Published: 19 August 2024

Aspetar releases findings from its extensive study into injury patterns among football players

NT Bureau
Doha

Aspetar, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, has released findings from its extensive study into injury patterns among professional football players in the Qatar Stars League (QSL).

The largest of its kind worldwide in football industry, the study spans eight seasons (2014/15 to 2021/22) and offers unprecedented insights into injury rates, impact, and trends.

The study revealed a high incidence of injuries among QSL players, with a total of 4,789 recorded. Players were found to be at greater risk of injury during matches compared to training sessions. The study also quantified the time players lost due to injuries, with hamstring strains identified as the most common injury and ACL tears associated with the longest recovery periods.

Interestingly, the injury patterns observed in Qatari football closely resemble those reported in Asian and European leagues, indicating comparable injury risks across these regions.

Commenting on the findings, Researcher at Aspetar’s Sports Injury and Illness Prevention Programme (ASPREV) Dr Montassar Tabben said that Aspetar had noticeable success in injury prevention, recording a reduction in some common injury types, adding that Aspetar focuses on developing effective strategies to deal with Adductor and Anterior Cruciate Ligament injuries.

Launched in November 2012, ASPREV combines research and implementation to build on Aspetar’s and the National Sports Medicine Programme’s strengths, fostering collaborations locally and internationally. The programme conducts long-term research into injury and illness prevention, with data used in various collaborative projects exploring the link between general health, musculoskeletal conditions, and injury risk.