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Aspire Academy has been awarded a grant from the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) to develop ground-breaking research designed to analyse hamstring injuries in football players, and to create new injury prevention strategies. |
The research project is entitled ‘A multi-continental approach to advance exercise methods and technologies to promote general health and sports performance.’ Launched on February 1, it is expected to be completed in three years.
The project is being jointly undertaken between Aspire Academy, Karoliska Institute, Sweden; FC Barcelona, Spain; NASA, US; and Texas A&M
University, US.
Professor Valter Di Salvo, director of Football Performance & Science at Aspire Academy, said: “We are working with four global organisations that are experts in their specific areas, and the overall experience and outcomes gained from this exciting collaboration will be of great value to Aspire Academy.”
“The research will help improve player performance levels and ultimately empower the development of our Qatari youth football players – the nation’s football stars of the future. The project demonstrates our ongoing commitment to nurturing our athletes’ potential and creating a new generation of sports champions,” Di Salvo added.
The project is divided into three separate phases. The majority of existing research is derived from studies using adult players; therefore, the study will aim to collect data from senior and youth players, as well as professional and semi-professional footballers. A range of clubs and teams are set to collaborate including Aspire Academy, QSL, QFA, and FC Barcelona.
By furthering research that helps prevent injuries, the results will not only benefit Qatar but are also likely to bring multiple advantages globally. In addition, the results will contribute towards the development of a successful national team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Jose Alberto Villanueva, of Aspire Academy, said: “Hamstring strains are well documented in football and account for 12%-16% of all injuries sustained by football players, making it the most prevalent injury in the sport. The over-arching goal of this project is to tackle this issue and lead the way in setting new prevention strategies for both young and adult players.”
QNRF is a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development and a centre within Qatar Foundation Research and
Development.
