Prediction of injuries in elite soccer players with the analysis of asymmetries in the CMJ through the use of Machine Learning tools

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v71.113766

Keywords:

Countermovement jump, Injuries, Prediction, Machine Learning, Asymmetry

Abstract

Introduction: The analysis of asymmetries in the countermovement jump (CMJ) is a potentially useful tool for the prevention of injuries in elite soccer players.

Objective: This study analyzes the relationship between biomechanical asymmetries in the CMJ on landing (% Peak Landing Force Assymetry) and the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.

Methodology: Through the use of force platforms (ForceDecks, Valdperformance) and 4 machine learning models, data from 29 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League elite level professional soccer players were analyzed during a regular season (with a total of 1265 jumps analyzed, during the days Match Day Training MD+1, MD+2 and MD-1).

Discussion: The results indicate that the average asymmetries (0.82% +- 13.66) in the peak landing force are not predictive of the risk of injury, while the % Coefficient of variation (COV) (323–1827) of that asymmetry was related and could have a predictive nature regarding the risk of injuries. Furthermore, there is a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.447) between % COV Assymetry and the appearance of injuries, which is statistically significant (p = 0.017).

Conclusions: The odds ratio of 2.4 indicates that players with higher than average COV asymmetry are 2.4 times more likely to suffer an injury. These findings highlight the importance of the CMJ as part of injury monitoring and injury reduction programs.

Author Biography

  • Ángel Aceña Rodríguez

    Ángel Aceña Rodríguez es un destacado preparador físico y fisioterapeuta español, nacido el 2 de septiembre de 1982 en Ciudad Real, España. Ha trabajado en diversos roles dentro del ámbito deportivo, principalmente enfocados en la preparación física y la rehabilitación de deportistas. A lo largo de su carrera, ha colaborado con equipos de fútbol de alto perfil y selecciones nacionales.

    Aceña ha trabajado en el Watford FC de la Premier League inglesa, donde se desempeñó como jefe de readaptación y preparador físico [oai_citation:1,Ángel Aceña - Manager profile | Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/angel-acena/profil/trainer/121374) [oai_citation:2,INSIDE a Premier League Medical Department with Ángel Aceña Rodriguez - Premier Injuries](https://www.premierinjuries.com/article/inside-a-premier-league-medical-department-with-angel-acena-rodriguez). También ha sido parte del cuerpo técnico de equipos como el Sevilla FC, el CD Badajoz, el Vitesse Arnhem y el Albacete Balompié, así como en las selecciones nacionales de Costa Rica y Zambia [oai_citation:3,Ángel Aceña - Manager profile | Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/angel-acena/profil/trainer/121374) [oai_citation:4,Entrevista a Ángel Aceña: Ex-Fitness Coach en el Sevilla F.C y la Selección Nacional de Costa Rica - Efficientfootball](https://efficientfootball.com/entrevista-a-angel-acena/) [oai_citation:5,Ángel Aceña – Cented Academy](https://centedacademy.com/profesor/angel-acena/).

    En su labor, Aceña ha destacado por su enfoque en la prevención de lesiones y la importancia de una preparación física integral que incluye la gestión de cargas de entrenamiento y la recuperación adecuada de los jugadores [oai_citation:6,Ángel Aceña: “En el mundial, será clave ajustar la carga física que vienen realizando los jugadores en sus equipos”](https://balondominado.com/2022/10/03/angel-acena-en-el-mundial-sera-clave-ajustar-la-carga-fisica-que-vienen-realizando-los-jugadores-en-sus-equipos/) [oai_citation:7,Entrevista a Ángel Aceña: Ex-Fitness Coach en el Sevilla F.C y la Selección Nacional de Costa Rica - Efficientfootball](https://efficientfootball.com/entrevista-a-angel-acena/). Además, ha ejercido como docente en varias universidades y academias, impartiendo conocimientos sobre preparación física y prevención de lesiones [oai_citation:8,Ángel Aceña – Cented Academy](https://centedacademy.com/profesor/angel-acena/).

    Actualmente, Ángel Aceña es preparador físico en el Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) de Malasia, continuando su carrera en el ámbito del fútbol internacional [oai_citation:9,Ángel Aceña - Manager profile | Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/angel-acena/profil/trainer/121374).

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Published

22-08-2025

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Section

Original Research Article

How to Cite

Aceña Rodríguez, Ángel, Vita, A., Quintana, R., Reyes, C., Abal, A., & Portaz, E. (2025). Prediction of injuries in elite soccer players with the analysis of asymmetries in the CMJ through the use of Machine Learning tools. Retos, 71, 678-692. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v71.113766