Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part B (2024)

Background: Football is an extremely physical and demanding contact sport, where the risk of injury for professional players is greater than in other professions. There is a notable gap in the existing literature on injury epidemiology in female soccer players from African countries.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the traumatic injuries in female soccer competition.
Study’s Design: Prospective, cross-sectional and descriptive study. 
Method: This study was conducted at the Mbankomo Sports Center in Yaounde, Cameroon from January to February 2023 during a pre-competition training camp and competition phase of the Cameroonian Women's National Football Team. All selected players were included.
Results: During this period, 43 female players were treated - 25 in the preparatory phase and 23 in the competition phase. The overall average age was 25.8 years, with the 20-23 year-old age group being dominant in the preparatory phase and the 23-26 year old group dominant in the competition phase. Analysis of knee alignment issues showed that in the preparatory phase, genu varum was the most common (48%) followed by genu valgum (24%). In the competition phase, genu valgum was the most common (43.48%), followed by genu varum (34.78%). With a total of 23 traumatic injuries, over a third (35.5%) of the players suffered such injuries. Tackle injuries were the most prevalent injury mechanism (43.48%). Goalkeepers sustained the highest number of injuries (30.43%) followed by the Fullback/Defender (21.74%). The majority of injuries occurred on synthetic turf surfaces (73.91%). The most common injury types were ankle sprain (21.74%) and wrist sprain (21.74%). The distribution of injuries by body region was 47.83% (11 cases) lower limb, 39.13% (9 cases) upper limb, 13.04% (3 cases) head. Pain intensity was moderate to high in 60.87% of cases. The BM clinical severity score showed that most players were classified as Stage 1 (score 2) and managed with cryotherapy and return to activity.
Conclusion: The results of this study contribute to strengthening the existing literature on injury epidemiology among female professional soccer players in Africa. 
Clinical Relevance: Improved athletic preparation, comprehensive medical support, and tailored prevention strategies are crucial to address the unique physical demands and risk factors in women's soccer, ensuring the health and performance of Cameroonian female players during competition.