Knowledge of physiotherapy in the prevention and treatment of soccer injuries among managers of amateur soccer teams

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the knowledge of physiotherapy among managers of amateur soccer teams in preventing and treating soccer injuries.

A total of 32 amateur soccer team managers from Kano State, Nigeria were purposively recruited to participate in this study. Thereafter, a questionnaire seeking information on physiotherapy was administered. Data retrieved from the questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequencies and percentages.

The results of the study revealed that the average age of the participants was 47±8 years. The results also indicated that the majority (94%) of the participants were male, and 63% had post-secondary school qualifications. Working experience was generally low, mostly between one and two years. All the participants demonstrated good knowledge of the role of physiotherapy in preventing injuries (warm up and cool down exercises), as well as the means (use of exercise therapy and massage), indications (sprains, strains and back pain) and the modalities (ice sprays, exercise modalities and bandages). The major areas where lack of knowledge was evident were in the use of strapping (43.7%), the role of physiotherapy in health education (43.7%), and the use of electrical currents in physiotherapy (68.7%). The overall results showed that the average knowledge of the participants regarding the role of physiotherapy in preventing and treating soccer injuries was high (86.5%).

It was concluded that a significant proportion of the managers of amateur soccer teams in Kano State have good knowledge of the use of physiotherapy in preventing and treating soccer injuries.

Keywords: team managers, amateur soccer, knowledge, physical therapy