Effects of the FIFA 11 training program on injury prevention and performance in football players: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To investigate the effects of FIFA 11 training on injury prevention and performance in football players. Design and methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis. We conducted a systematic search using four databases (CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and PubMed) to find controlled trials evaluating the effects of FIFA 11 on injury prevention and performance among football players. Weighted mean differences, standard mean differences, risk ratios, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. Results: We analyzed 11 trials, including 4700 participants. FIFA 11 resulted in a significant reduction in injury risk (risk ratio = 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.49–0.98; P = 0.02) and improvements in dynamic balance (weighted mean difference = 2.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.44–4.92; P = 0.02) and agility (standard mean difference = −0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.70–0.02; P = 0.04). The meta-analysis indicated a non-significant improvement in jump height (standard mean difference = 0.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.08–0.59; P = 0.14) and running sprint (standard mean difference = −0.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.58–0.10; P = 0.17) in the FIFA 11 group. Conclusions: FIFA 11 can be considered as a tool to reduce the risk of injury. It may improve dynamic balance and agility and can be considered for inclusion in the training of football players.