RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOWER LIMB FUNCTIONAL PARAMETERS, PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE AND INJURY RISK INDICATORS IN U9-U13 ATHLETES
Author(s)
Virág Katona, BSc1, Boglárka Horváth, MSc1, Diána Elmer, BSc, MSc, PhD2, Laura KOVÁCS, BSc1.
1University of Pécs, Szombathely, Hungary, 2University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary.
1University of Pécs, Szombathely, Hungary, 2University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary.
OBJECTIVES: Musculoskeletal development during childhood is essential for future athletic performance and injury prevention. This study examined the relationships between lower-limb function, physical performance, and injury risk indicators in U9-U13 soccer players, focusing on asymmetries and functional deficits.
METHODS: A longitudinal quantitative study was conducted with 82 U9-U13 players from the Király Sports Association. Data were collected between November 2025 and April 2026. Players aged U9-U11 completed one weekly corrective training session, while U12-U13 players completed two sessions per week. Functional and performance assessments were performed before and after the intervention. Tests included standing long jump, sprint and change-of-direction tests, vertical jump, Y-Balance Test, single-leg and triple-hop tests, hip range-of-motion measurements, and functional assessments such as the Thomas Test, Bent Knee Fall Out Test, Flamingo Balance Test, and Navicular Drop Test.
RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed in several parameters following the intervention (p < 0.05). In the U12-U13 group, jump performance improved significantly and lower-limb asymmetries decreased. Both age groups showed enhanced functional stability and mobility, demonstrated by improved Flamingo Balance, Thomas, and Bent Knee Fall Out test results, as well as greater hip flexion, extension, abduction, and rotational range of motion (p<0.05). Y-Balance Test performance improved in both groups; significant gains were found in all directions among U9-U11 players, while the largest improvement in the U12-U13 group occurred in the posteromedial direction.
CONCLUSIONS: Lower-limb functional status appears closely related to physical performance and injury risk even during childhood. Better mobility, stability, and neuromuscular control were associated with improved performance and reduced inter-limb asymmetries. These findings highlight the value of early functional screening and targeted corrective training programs in supporting athletic development and reducing injury risk in youth soccer players.
METHODS: A longitudinal quantitative study was conducted with 82 U9-U13 players from the Király Sports Association. Data were collected between November 2025 and April 2026. Players aged U9-U11 completed one weekly corrective training session, while U12-U13 players completed two sessions per week. Functional and performance assessments were performed before and after the intervention. Tests included standing long jump, sprint and change-of-direction tests, vertical jump, Y-Balance Test, single-leg and triple-hop tests, hip range-of-motion measurements, and functional assessments such as the Thomas Test, Bent Knee Fall Out Test, Flamingo Balance Test, and Navicular Drop Test.
RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed in several parameters following the intervention (p < 0.05). In the U12-U13 group, jump performance improved significantly and lower-limb asymmetries decreased. Both age groups showed enhanced functional stability and mobility, demonstrated by improved Flamingo Balance, Thomas, and Bent Knee Fall Out test results, as well as greater hip flexion, extension, abduction, and rotational range of motion (p<0.05). Y-Balance Test performance improved in both groups; significant gains were found in all directions among U9-U11 players, while the largest improvement in the U12-U13 group occurred in the posteromedial direction.
CONCLUSIONS: Lower-limb functional status appears closely related to physical performance and injury risk even during childhood. Better mobility, stability, and neuromuscular control were associated with improved performance and reduced inter-limb asymmetries. These findings highlight the value of early functional screening and targeted corrective training programs in supporting athletic development and reducing injury risk in youth soccer players.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2026-11, ISPOR Europe 2026, Vienna, Austria
Value in Health, Volume 29, Issue 12S
Code
CO152
Topic
Clinical Outcomes, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care, Patient-Centered Research
Topic Subcategory
Clinical Outcomes Assessment, Performance-based Outcomes
Disease
Injury & Trauma, Musculoskeletal Disorders (Arthritis, Bone Disorders, Osteoporosis, Other Musculoskeletal)