Female high school soccer injuries presenting to US emergency departments: A 10-year analysis of national injury data.

Abstract

Female athletes are underrepresented in sports injury research, especially regarding soccer-related injury patterns in adolescent females. This study analyzes injury trends among high school-aged female soccer players to address injury risks in this population. We hypothesize that soccer-related injuries in high school-aged females most commonly involve the head or lower extremities, with incidence decreasing over time due to improved prevention measures. The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried for soccer-related injuries in females aged 14-18 from 2014 to 2023. Demographics, injury sites, and diagnoses were analyzed. National estimates (NEs) were calculated using NEISS statistical weights. Linear regression evaluated trends over time. From 2014 to 2023, an estimated 227,217 soccer-related injuries occurred in high school-aged females (7248 NEISS cases). Strains/sprains were the most common diagnosis (NE = 96,619, 33.2 %), followed by head injuries and concussions (NE = 57,311, 19.7 %). The head was the most frequently injured body part (21.1 %), followed by the ankle (20.6 %) and knee (15.7 %). Injuries significantly declined over time (p < 0.05). Notably, injuries decreased by 53.4 % from 2019 to 2020 but rose by 57.7 % from 2020 to 2021. There was a significant decline in female high school soccer injuries from 2014 to 2023, with head and lower extremity injuries being most common. The high frequency of head injuries emphasizes the importance of concussion baseline testing and treatment protocols. The decline in injuries, particularly head injuries, may reflect the effectiveness of prevention strategies implemented during the study period. This study highlights the need for targeted prevention strategies, including baseline concussion testing, protective gear, and improved training practices. The decline in injury rates suggests the positive impact of safety measures while identifying areas for further improvement to ensure player safety.