Theses and Dissertations (Physiotherapy)

The profile of soccer injuries and their management amongst the premier soccer teams in Lesotho

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The profile of soccer injuries and their management amongst the premier soccer teams in Lesotho Mokhochane, Rethabile Dineo Introduction: Soccer predisposes its players to a number of injuries which could adversely affect the player’s career if relevant management is not instituted. The aim of the study was to develop a profile of soccer injuries amongst the premier soccer teams in Lesotho and determine a need for physiotherapy intervention. Methodology: A cross sectional descriptive survey was used. Simple random selection was used to select a total of 201 soccer players from 12 premier teams participated in the study. Inferential statistics were performed using ANOVA, ANCOVA and Pearson’s correlation coefficient tests to determine the relationship of the players’ injuries, contributing factors and their management. Questionnaire’s validity and reliability were established by physiotherapist working with athletes. Results: The lower limb is the commonly affected body part with the ankle sustaining most injuries (36.4%). Common types of injuries were muscle strains (32.4%) and ligament sprains (23.0%). Mechanisms of injury during competitive games and training sessions include being tackled (25.2%); landing, tackling and overuse. Injuries sustained are treated sometimes by medical personnel (43.7%), traditional or home remedies (41.7%) and physiotherapist (29.6%). Ankle injuries are associated with self- treat (p= 0.020). There is a strong significant relationship between the mode of treatment (not physiotherapy) and common injuries that occurred amongst the players (p<0.05). The common mechanism of injury is also association with the common injuries that occurred (p<0.05). Conclusion and implications: Injuries occurring amongst soccer players in the Lesotho Premier Soccer League are sprains and strains and no consistent management is available for the injured players. The type and severity of common injuries indicate their impact on the soccer sporting activity. The injured player ceases activity immediately after injury. Soccer fraternity need to pay attention to provision of physiotherapy services and players have to be educated regarding appropriate injury prevention and management strategies. Thesis (M.Sc.( Sports Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation)) --Sefako Makgatho Medical University, 2013.

An Investigation into whether the primier soccer league teams in South Africa have an 'ideal' medical team structure

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

An Investigation into whether the primier soccer league teams in South Africa have an 'ideal' medical team structure Haribhai, Asha Aim of the study To investigate whether the Premier Soccer League Teams (PSL), in South Africa, have an ‘ideal’ medical team structure Objectives of the study Identification of medical professionals involved in the PSL and its leadership, the qualifications and experience of the medical professionals in PSL teams and whether the specialties of the medical professionals were clearly defined in order to avoid conflict within the team. Determination of the protocol that was followed when a player was injured and subsequent management and the influence on a player’s rehabilitation and return to activity. Setting The Premier Soccer League offices were contacted in order to conduct the research. Design The research design for this study was a descriptive survey. Methodology A purposeful sample of team managers and head coaches was chosen from 12 PSL teams. A self-constructed questionnaire was used to collect the data. A questionnaire was faxed to each participant and two follow-ups were made on the questionnaires that were not returned. Results The response rate was 54%. The composition of the medical teams comprised mainly of physiotherapists (85%) followed by sports physicians (77%), massage therapists (62%), dieticians (31%), sports psychologists (15%) and no podiatrist. Eight out of 13 participants reported having a sports physician as the head of the medical team while 4 participants reported the team leader to be a physiotherapist. Four out of 13 participants reported that their medical professionals were not all qualified and experienced in sport. The specialties of the medical professionals were clearly defined and each team had its own protocol for when a player was injured. The medical team had a positive influence on the management of injuries. Conclusion The PSL teams do not have an ‘ideal’ medical team structure. Keywords PSL, Medical team, structure, soccer Thesis (M. Sc. (Physiotherapy)) -- University of Limpopo, 2011

Management of recurrent soccer injuries among the Premier Soccer League (PLS) players

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Management of recurrent soccer injuries among the Premier Soccer League (PLS) players Rapoo, Violet Matshake Aim: The aim of the study was to review the current management of soccer injuries sustained by professional players and how injury recurrence is prevented among Premier Soccer League (PSL) players in RSA. Study design: Cross sectional study, descriptive survey was followed, as it allowed the researcher to observe and describe the factors that had contributed towards recurrent injuries, as well as a qualitative approach with open ended questions where participant’s expressions encountered during the study, were analyzed. Population: The population of the study included all the medical team members in the PSL teams. PSL has 16 teams. The medical team comprised of any combination of the following members: the team doctor, physiotherapist, masseur, biokineticists, physical trainer, chiropractors and podiatrist. Not all teams have the same combination nor all disciplines mentioned. Sample: Purposive sampling method was used, as the researcher selected main participants with a specific purpose. Each of the PSL teams has 7 members from different disciplines therefore, all available members of the medical team of each PSL teams participated in the study. Data Analysis: Data was analyzed using SPPSS version 13.0.Data collected was loaded onto the statistica program for processing. Frequency tables for all variables are given to demonstrate the distribution of variables. Cross tabulation was also done to establish the relationship between the predictor variables and the response. The Test Statistic CHI-Squared (χ 2 ) was calculated and pvalue of less than 0.05 was determined for the significance. Frequency distribution tables, graphs, and charts were used to analyze the data collected. Content analysis was used for qualitative data. Results: Main findings of the study reflected that the ankle was the most commonly affected body part (69.2%) while the quadriceps and tendon achillies were both less commonly affected v (15.4%). The groin was found to incur most recurring injuries (69.2%). The results revealed that injured players are adequately managed by the medical team (61.5%). Attainment of pain free and full range of movement is the consideration for return to sport however less consideration was given to the persistent biomechanical abnormality. Conclusion: The study confirms that soccer injuries amongst Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams are managed by qualified professionals. The attainment of a free, full range of movement and adequate strength are used as criteria for return to sport and as a measure of preventing injury recurrence. Factors such as players missing out on rich rewards, recognition and regaining position in the team seem to have a great influence as well. Recommendation: The primary recommendation for the player who has had multiple recurrences is to address any underlying reversible risk factors such as poor strength and poor flexibility. A session needs to be held with soccer administrators to advocate the avoidance of factors contributing to recurrent injuries. Thesis (MSc (Physiotherapy))--University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus), 2009

Team managers' knowledge of the role of physiotherapy in South African Soccer Teams in the Premier Soccer League

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Team managers' knowledge of the role of physiotherapy in South African Soccer Teams in the Premier Soccer League Motha, Sergant Given Background information of the study: Physiotherapists play an important role in soccer teams. This role includes prevention of injury, treatment, education, and exercises. There is a dearth of information in some areas on the part of sports managers on the role of the physiotherapist in a team. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the knowledge of South African team managers on the role of the physiotherapist in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to establish team managers’ knowledge of the role of physiotherapists in the prevention and treatment of soccer injuries and evaluate their knowledge of the injuries managed by physiotherapists. Setting: PSL teams in South Africa Design: A descriptive survey design with a close-ended questionnaire was used in this study. Methodology: A quantitative research approach was employed in this study. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data set and a rating scale was used to determine the knowledge of team managers. Results: Out of the 16 teams in the PLS, 13 team managers participated in the study and their average knowledge was 79%. Five (38%) had administrative qualifications while eight (62%) did not include their qualifications. All 13 respondents indicated that warm up, cool down and stretching reduces the risk of injuries. Eleven (77%) reported that prophylactic strapping reduces risk of injuries. All participants agreed that physiotherapeutic treatment includes massage, electric machines and ice. They also mentioned that exercises can be done by the physiotherapist, though only three (23%) believed that the physiotherapist could conduct physical training. Conclusion: This study revealed that team managers have good knowledge of the role of the physiotherapist in soccer, with regard to prevention and treatment of injuries in sport. Thesis (MSc (Physiotherapy))--University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus), 2009.