RESEARCHERS at the University of Birmingham used GPS systems to predict injury rates in elite footballers for a study published in the latest British Journal of Sports Medicine. Working with the Premiership’s Southampton FC, the scientists discovered that the greatest injury risk occurred when players put in a very high number of sprints during training over a three-week period.
Scientists looked at training data of footballers at Southampton FC
Using a range of player performance data gathered by GPS equipment worn by the players in training, lead researcher Laura Bowen analysed total distance covered, distance covered at high speed, total load or forces experienced, and short bursts of speed.