| The Effect of a Six-Week FUN BALL Warm-Up Program on Lower Limb Injury Prediction and Functional Performance Tests in 17- to 20-Year-Old Soccer Players |
| Paper ID : 1185-SPORTCONGRESS (R1) |
| Authors |
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Zahra Saharkhiz Tochahi *, Nasrin Mashayekhi, Seyed Hossein Mirkarimpour, Qasemali Karimaei Islamic Azad University, Science And Research |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: Due to its dynamic and competitive nature, soccer exposes young players to risks of lower limb injuries, such as ankle sprains and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a six-week FUN BALL warm-up program on injury prediction tests (Tuck Jump and LESS) and functional performance tests in young soccer players. Methods: The research is of a semi-experimental with a control group. 30 male football players aged 17 to 20 years, all with over 3 years of experience in competitions were randomly divided into the FUN BALL training group (15) and the control group (15). In both the pre-test and post-test, the total participants' scores on the Tuck Jump, LESS, FMS, and NINE tests were assessed. The training group performed their exercises for 6 weeks, 3 days a week, for approximately 20 minutes under the supervision of a team coach and a corrective exercise specialist. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software, employing ANCOVA, and the Mann-Whitney test (between groups), as well as paired t-tests and Wilcoxon tests (within groups) for hypothesis testing. Results: The results showed that the FUN BALL group significantly reduced LESS scores (p=0.000, effect size=0.87), indicating improved landing technique and reduced ACL injury risk. The FUN BALL group also showed significant improvements in FMS (p=0.000, effect size=0.91) and Nine Test (p=0.000, effect size=0.44), reflecting enhanced movement stability and overall performance. However, no significant between-group difference was observed in the Tuck Jump test (p=0.30), although both groups showed significant within-group improvement (p=0.001). Conclusion: The six-week FUN BALL warm-up program improved landing quality, movement stability, and overall performance but had no significant effect on Tuck Jump performance. With its multifaceted exercises and cognitive challenges, the program reduced the risk of lower limb injuries and was more effective than the routine warm-up. |
| Keywords |
| FUN BALL program, lower limb injury, LESS test, Tuck Jump, FMS, Nine, young soccer players |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Oral Presentation) |
