What is the effect of the FIFA 11+ injury prevention programme on eccentric knee flexor strength in adolescent elite male football players: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background: The FIFA 11+ programme has been developed as a complete warm-up programme to prevent injuries in amateur football for players aged 14 or older. The majority of studies examining the effect of the FIFA 11+ programme have shown an increase in isokinetic eccentric knee flexor strength, as well as a preventive effect on hamstring injuries (HI). No studies have examined the effect of the FIFA 11+ programme on eccentric knee flexor strength, as measured using the NordBord; a novel testing device designed specifically to obtain objective measurements of eccentric knee flexor strength and overcome the limitations of isokinetic measurements. Objective: To examine the effect of the FIFA 11+ programme on eccentric knee flexor strength as measured using the NordBord in adolescent elite male football players.