What exercise programme is the most appropriate to mitigate anterior cruciate ligament injury risk in football (soccer) players? A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Objectives: To examine the effectiveness of different exercise-based interventions to mitigate the risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury in football players, and to determine which is the most appropriate for them, specifically for female football players.

Design: Four databases were accessed in July 2023 using the keywords football, soccer, athletic injuries, anterior cruciate ligament, knee injuries, injury prevention, exercise-based programme, and risk factor.

Methods: Randomised controlled trials that evaluated any exercise-based injury prevention intervention compared with a control group on the prevention of anterior cruciate ligament injury in football players were included.