Myofascial Release Combined With FIFA 11+: Effects on Hamstring Flexibility and Injury Risk

Football is a physically demanding sport that involves frequent jumping, cutting, and sudden changes in direction, making players vulnerable to various musculoskeletal injuries especially around the knee(1, 2). If not properly addressed, such mechanical demands can place excessive stress on key structures like the Hamstring, ACL and MCL, increasing the risk of injury during high-impact movement(1). Hamstring strains are one of the most common injuries among football players, with significant impact on their performance and career longevity(1). These injuries are especially prevalent due to the high-intensity nature of football, involving rapid sprinting, cutting, and changes of direction. Studies have shown that hamstring strains account for a substantial proportion of all injuries in football, ranging from 12% to 20% of total injuries in professional and amateur levels. Given the high rate of recurrence and the long recovery times associated with hamstring injuries, there has been growing interest in injury prevention programs aimed at reducing the risk of these injuries. Many of these injuries stem from deficits in dynamic balance, inadequate landing strategies, and reduced strength in the lower limbs(3). When such deficits persist, they increase biomechanical load on the knee joint, raising the likelihood of ligament injuries during explosive actions(4). By addressing these movement impairments, programs like FIFA 11+ aim to improve neuromuscular coordination and reduce injury rates among football players