BACKGROUND: Football is a high-speed contact sport and the risk of injury is high. The objective of this study was to compare the two main divisions (A1 and A2) of the São Paulo Football Championship and to perform a correlation analysis of the variables studied.
METHODS: A prospective study was conducted using an electronic questionnaire previously developed by the Medical Committee of the São Paulo Football Federation. The questionnaire was sent to the doctors of the teams playing in the A1 and A2 divisions of the São Paulo Football Championship after each round. Setting: 2016 São Paulo Football Championship.
RESULTS: The comparison of divisions A1 and A2 showed few significant differences among the various variables analysed in this study. The only significant differences were for right-side involvement in division A1 (p=0.044) and morning matches in division A2 (p<0.001). The correlation analysis of the variables studied showed expected associations, including sprains with a higher rate of need for surgery, ultrasound with muscle strains and moderate severity (8-28 days lost) with muscle strains.
CONCLUSION: Despite the differences between the two divisions regarding budgets and team characteristics, there was a little difference in the variables analysed and there were associations such as sprains with a higher rate of need for surgery, ultrasound with muscle strains and moderate severity (8-28 days lost) with muscle strains. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II b, individual cohort study.