Medical Student Pacific Northwest University Allen, Texas, United States
Objectives: In the 2023-24 season, the English Football Association (FA) made a significant change to the ruleset for Premier League soccer played in England. In hopes of recovering time lost from in-game stoppages, referees are now allowed to add a sizeable amount of time to the end of the game. This has increased average game time, and theoretically, the stress delivered to these athletes’ bodies and probability of suffering injuries. The purpose of this research is to evaluate whether this increase in time played is causing minor/major injuries.
Design: This is a cohort study using data from multiple online statistical databases such as Premier Injury and Transfermrkt to follow games, additional time added, injuries suffered through this current Premier League season. The 380-game season ends May 2024. At time of submission, 110 games had taken place and studied. Injuries were divided into major and minor injuries; major causing absences from 3 or more future games, and minor causing absences from 2 games or less. Time added to games was found using match reports from international sports media coverage.
Results: Using data gathered, we found that an extra 1,292 minutes were added to game time, with players suffering 110 minor injuries and 63 major injuries during the first 110 games. It was also found that muscular injuries, such as hamstring strains from overexertion, were occurring more frequently and earlier compared to previous seasons.
Conclusions: The preliminary results from this study show a significant number of injuries to soccer players possibly due to increased physical strain and fatigue with the increase in extra time added per game. With the completion of this season in May 2024, this study calls for future comparison of this season to past seasons regarding major and minor injuries and their relation to total time added.
