Motor ability and personality with reference to soccer injuries.

Thirty-seven male soccer players performed a series of motor ability tests and answered the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (the 16PF). A past-injury examination and interview was performed by a physician and occurrence of injuries was followed up prospectively for one year. Stepwise regression analyses revealed significant associations between past injuries and long reaction time as well as personality factors N (astute) and H (shy). We conclude that both weakness of motor abilities, especially long reaction time, and a specific personality type may predispose a player to soccer injuries.