Injury Patterns in an Elite Men’s Futsal Club: A Nine-Season Cohort Study

Abstract

Futsal is a high-intensity sport with a significant risk of injury; however, current literature lacks consensus on the most prevalent injury patterns in this discipline. This study aims to describe the types and frequencies of injuries sustained by elite futsal players. We conducted an observational, retrospective analysis of injuries recorded over nine consecutive seasons within a single club, encompassing six different competitive categories. A total of 214 male athletes were monitored, representing 671 player-seasons, during which 1,043 injuries were documented. Muscle–tendon injuries of the thigh were the most frequently reported, followed by ligament injuries of the knee and ankle. Among muscle–tendon injuries, biceps femoris was the most injured muscle, while anterior cruciate ligament ruptures were the injuries associated with a higher time-loss. These findings highlight the specific anatomical regions most vulnerable to injury in elite futsal and underscore the need for targeted prevention strategies. By providing a detailed injury profile across multiple competitive levels, this study provides a starting point for the development of evidence-based injury prevention and rehabilitation programs.
Key words
futsal; injury; epidemiology; surveillance; injury prevention