'Benched' the effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on injury incidence in sub-elite football in Australia: a retrospective population study using injury insurance records

Objectives The primary aim of this study was to compare injury rates pre- and post-COVID-19 lockdown in sub-elite football (soccer) players by analysing the full season and the first month of each season between 2018 and 2020. Secondary aims were to describe the incidence, location and type of injuries and to compare injuries by age group and sex. Design Descriptive epidemiological study Methods A de-identified insurance database was retrospectively coded using the Orchard Sports Injury Classification System. Injury incidence per 1000 hours as well as incidence rate ratios (IRR) with confidence intervals were calculated. Results No significant difference was found in the overall incidence rate in 2020 compared with the 2018 and 2019 seasons (IRR, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.96-1.13]; p = 0.294). However, overall injuries increased by 26% (IRR: 1.26 [95% CI 1.07-1.47]; p < 0.005) and joint sprains increased by 45% (IRR: 1.45 [95% CI 1.14-1.84]; p < 0.005) in the first month of 2020 compared with 2018-2019. Between 2018 and 2020, there were 4149 injury insurance claims, with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures accounting for 19% of all injuries. When comparing sex, female players had significantly more ankle sprains whilst male players suffered more dental injuries. Conclusions This study adds to a growing body of evidence investigating injury rates post-COVID-19 lockdowns in sport. Sub-elite players appear to be at higher risk of joint injuries within the first month of training following a period of lockdown. Overall, stakeholders involved in sub-elite football should prioritise knee and ankle joint injury prevention.

Automated summary

This study compares injury rates before and after COVID-19 lockdowns in sub-elite soccer players and finds that overall injuries and joint sprains significantly increase in the first month after reopening. Female players are more prone to ankle sprains, while male players are more likely to suffer dental injuries. Therefore, knee and ankle joint injury prevention should be prioritized in sub-elite football.