The frequency of muscle tightness and injuries in soccer players.

One hundred-eighty players in a male, senior soccer division were examined for past injuries, persisting symptoms from past injuries, and muscular tightness in the lower extremities. Soccer players were in general less flexible than a group of nonplayers of the same age (n = 86). No correlation was found between past injuries and existing muscle tightness. Sprains of the lower extremity, especially of knees and ankles, predominated among the injuries. Persistent instability symptoms were common sequels to knee and ankle injuries. It is proposed that intensive care of acute injuries will improve the late results.