Awareness of fifth metatarsal stress fractures among soccer coaches in Japan: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

AbstractAlthough a fifth metatarsal stress fracture is the most frequent stress fracture in soccer players, knowledge of fifth metatarsal stress fractures among soccer coaches is unclear. Therefore, we performed an online survey of soccer coaches affiliated with the Japan Football Association to assess their knowledge of fifth metatarsal stress fractures. A total of 117 soccer coaches participated in an original online survey. Data on age, sex, types of coaching license, coaching category, types of training surface, awareness of fifth metatarsal stress fractures, and measures employed to prevent fifth metatarsal stress fractures were collected using the survey. A total of 87/117 coaches were aware of fifth metatarsal stress fractures; however, only 30% reported awareness of preventive and treatment measures for fifth metatarsal stress fractures. Licensed coaches (i.e., licensed higher than level C) were also more likely to be aware of fifth metatarsal stress fractures than were unlicensed coaches. Furthermore, although playing on artificial turf is an established risk factor for numerous sports injuries, soccer coaches who usually trained on artificial turf were more likely to be unaware of the risks associated with fifth metatarsal stress fractures than were coaches who trained on other surfaces (e.g., clay fields). Soccer coaches in the study population were generally aware of fifth metatarsal stress fractures; however, most of them were not aware of specific treatment or preventive training strategies for fifth metatarsal stress fractures. Additionally, coaches who practiced on artificial turf were not well educated on fifth metatarsal stress fractures. Our findings raise awareness of fifth metatarsal stress fractures to improve the education of soccer coaches regarding injury prevention strategies.