Aim. This study aimed to identify the physiological effects of knee injuries among football players, investigate their impact on physical performance, and provide evidence-based recommendations for rehabilitation and treatment protocols. The research sought to establish a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted consequences of knee injuries, examining both immediate physiological responses and long-term performance implications.
Material and method. A descriptive-analytical methodology was employed involving 27 football players from a First Regional League club. Data collection utilized literature review, specialist interviews, and a structured 12-question questionnaire addressing injury severity, anatomical distribution, causation, treatment modalities, and performance outcomes. Statistical analysis employed percentage calculations for frequency distributions across injury categories.
Results. Moderate and severe injuries dominated (70.36% combined), with muscular injuries comprising 44.44% of cases. Violent contact represented the primary injury mechanism (51.86%), while competitive environments generated 70.37% of injuries. Over half (51.86%) of injuries resulted in training cessation exceeding six months. Treatment approaches included physical therapy (37.03%) and surgical intervention (32.34%), though 66.67% of players lacked formal rehabilitation programs. Injury recurrence occurred in 55.55% of cases, with 40.74% reporting poor post-injury performance outcomes.
Conclusions. Training cessation due to knee injury resulted in significant physiological deterioration: 10% decrease in maximal aerobic capacity, 5% reduction in maximal heart rate, 12% decline in oxygen pulse, and 20% decrease in ventilatory threshold. Body fat percentage increased by 6%, negatively impacting weight-bearing activities. The hamstring-to-quadriceps strength ratio decreased significantly, increasing re-injury susceptibility. High injury recurrence rates and poor performance outcomes highlighted critical deficiencies in current rehabilitation practices, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive injury prevention strategies and evidence-based rehabilitation protocols in football.
