Avaliação funcional e risco de lesões na pré-temporada de atletas de um clube de futebol profissional do interior do Rio Grande do Sul.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate neuromuscular control and injury risks during the pre-season of athletes from a professional football club in the interior of Rio Grande do Sul. The research was quantitative, analytical, observational, and cross-sectional, with evaluations conducted between December 2023 and January 2024. Fifteen athletes participated, with an average age of 28.06±6.94 years, weight 80.40±7.00 kg, and height 183.00±5.30 cm. A sport-related behavior questionnaire for self-perception was applied, and functional tests were used, including the Y Balance Test (YBT), the Dorsiflexion Lunge Test (DLT), the Step Down Test (SDT), and the Single Leg Hop Test (SLHT), to measure the athletes' postural stability, joint mobility, and neuromuscular control. The results indicated that most athletes showed values suggestive of injury risk in at least one of the tests, highlighting deficits in postural stability and neuromuscular control. The YBT and SDT tests revealed a significant number of athletes at risk of injury, showing important deficits in postural stability and movement quality. It was concluded that there is a high prevalence of injury risk among the athletes, reinforcing the importance of preventive programs and specific training to improve stability and neuromuscular control, aiming to minimize injuries and enhance sports performance.