Soccer Injuries in the Athlete with a Disability

• Each players’ risk of injury is dependent on their baseline impairment.

• In Paralympic soccer, although limited research is available, studies have shown that muscle imbalances at baseline increase the risk of injury in these players. Therefore, a muscle strengthening and evaluation program is important.

• All players with a disability who play regularly in a team sport, such as soccer, should be cleared by a sports medicine professional prior to participating.

• Spasticity (muscle resistance to stretch) is commonly seen in cerebral palsy, stroke and brain injury patients, which may require the need for specific stretching exercises, orthotics and/or medications for treatment. Spasticity in the athlete should be managed by a medical professional experienced in the treatment of this condition (commonly a Physiatrist or Neurologist).