Hamstring is the most common injury and ACL tears are associated with the longest recovery periods

Doha, Qatar – 18 August 2024 – Aspetar, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, has released findings from its extensive study into injury patterns among professional football players in the Qatar Stars League (QSL). The largest of its kind worldwide in football industry, the study spans eight seasons (2014/15 to 2021/22) and offers unprecedented insights into injury rates, impact, and trends.

The study revealed a high incidence of injuries among QSL players, with a total of 4,789 recorded. Players were found to be at greater risk of injury during matches compared to training sessions. The study also quantified the time players lost due to injuries, with hamstring strains identified as the most common injury and ACL tears associated with the longest recovery periods.

Encouragingly, the study showed a decline in gradual onset injuries and a non-significant reduction in sudden onset match injuries over the eight seasons. This suggests potential improvements in injury prevention measures or changes in training and match conditions. However, re-injuries remained a concern, accounting for 10.8% of all injuries, emphasising the need for effective rehabilitation and monitoring.

Interestingly, the injury patterns observed in Qatari football closely resemble those reported in Asian and European leagues, indicating comparable injury risks across these regions.

“This comprehensive study provides a foundation for enhancing player welfare and performance in Qatari football,” said Dr Montassar Tabben, researcher at Aspetar’s Sports Injury and Illness Prevention Programme (ASPREV). “By understanding injury patterns and trends, we can develop targeted prevention strategies and optimise recovery processes.”

Launched in November 2012, ASPREV combines research and implementation to build on Aspetar’s and the National Sports Medicine Programme’s strengths, fostering collaborations locally and internationally. The programme conducts long-term research into injury and illness prevention, with data used in various collaborative projects exploring the link between general health, musculoskeletal conditions, and injury risk.

About Aspetar:

Aspetar is a world-leading specialised orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital and the first of its kind in the Middle East. Since 2007, with a world expert team, the hospital has provided top-level comprehensive medical treatment to all athletes in a state-of-the-art facility that sets new standards internationally.

In 2009, Aspetar was accredited as a “FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence” by F-MARC. In 2013, Aspetar was adopted as a reference collaborator centre by the Gulf Countries Council (GCC) Health Ministers Council and “The IOC Research Centre for Prevention of Injury and Protection of Athlete Health” in 2014.

In 2015, Aspetar has been recognised as the “IHF Reference Centre for Athlete and Referee Health”. In the same year, the hospital also achieved obtained-on December 15 the Accreditation Canada International (ACI) “Platinum Level”.

Aspetar is a member–organisation of Aspire Zone Foundation, Qatar’s innovative sports and healthy lifestyle destination.