Efficacy of FIFA 11+ Training Program on Performance and Functional Movement in Collegiate Football Players

Abstract

Background: Football is the most common sport played around the world with 300 million registered players.To decrease injury rates and promote fair play in football, the FIFA-Medical and Assessment Research Centredesigned the FIFA 11+ training program.Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of FIFA 11+ training program on functional performanceand functional movement in collegiate football players.Materials and Methods: A total of thirty subjects were chosen. Fifteen adult male football players were randomlyassigned into one of two groups: Group A (traditional training) or Group B (FIFA 11+ training). Both the groupsreceived the training for six weeks. And to check the performance speed was calculated using a 20m sprint test andaerobic capacity was measured using treadmill test. To check the functional movement FMS score was measured.Results:A Pearson correlation test shows a positive correlation (r = 0.208) but the weaker relationship between thevariables. Paired t test analysis shows a significant improvement after the treatment in terms of Gluteus Maximusmuscle activity, Hamstring muscle length and pain reduction with a P value < 0.001.Conclusion: This study concluded that FIFA 11+ training programs were better than the conventional trainingprogram in terms of functional performance, functional movement, and injury prevention. This was attributed tothe effect of the program on stability, muscle strength, proprioception, and postural alignment, which makes it abetter training program for preventing injuries.