15.02.2025 | Research

Are muscle injury incidence and ACTN3 R577X associated with playing positions in professional soccer players?

verfasst von: Leonardo Henrique Silva Fagundes, Eduardo Mendonça Pimenta, Varley Teoldo da Costa

Erschienen in: Sport Sciences for Health

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate whether the muscle injury incidence rates differs according to playing positions and to evaluate whether the muscle injury incidence rates differs among ACTN3 R577X genotypes in professional soccer players.

Methods

Forty-six Brazilian professional soccer players from first division were evaluated. Genomic DNA was extracted using blood samples, exposure time, and semi-structured interviews on muscle injuries were applied over two seasons (2021–2022).

Results

During matches, wide midfielders exhibited a significantly higher muscle injury incidence rate compared to central defenders (WM vs. CD; 95% CI: 0.00 ± 43.00 vs. 0.00 ± 493.42, respectively; p = 0.010). Similarly, ACTN3 RR genotypes showed a significantly greater muscle injury incidence rate than ACTN3 XX genotypes (RR vs. XX; 95% CI: 14.38 ± 67.10 vs. 0.00 ± 352.47, respectively; p = 0.016). However, no significant differences in muscle injury incidence rates were observed between playing positions or ACTN3 R577X genotypes during training sessions.

Conclusion

Muscle injury incidence rates in professional soccer players from the same club were influenced by playing positions and genetic factors.

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Titel: Are muscle injury incidence and ACTN3 R577X associated with playing positions in professional soccer players?
verfasst von: Leonardo Henrique Silva Fagundes
Eduardo Mendonça Pimenta
Varley Teoldo da Costa
Publikationsdatum: 15.02.2025
Verlag: Springer Milan
Erschienen in: Sport Sciences for Health
Print ISSN: 1824-7490
Elektronische ISSN: 1825-1234
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-025-01334-9

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