Predicitive variables of injury from the use of GPS system: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective: To develop a systematic literature review and identify predictive variables for injury in soccer players using inertial systems from the Global Positioning System (GPS), as well as associated variables.

Methodology: A search was conducted in the electronic databases PubMed, Science Direct Collection (Web of Science), Scopus, and EBSCOhost (Academic Search Complete, SPORTDiscus) with a deadline of December 2024. After applying the eligibility criteria, only 12 of the 937 results were considered for analysis.

Results: The twelve included articles used both kinematic and composite variables that can help predict the occurrence of injuries in soccer players. These included total distance, distance covered at high intensity, accelerations and decelerations, accumulation of acute and chronic load, and new body load. Variables such as body composition, habits, biochemical factors, and physical capabilities, which are strongly associated with injuries, were also identified. The mathematical models used included correlations, analysis of variance, linear regression models, and decision trees.

Conclusion: GPS is a technological method that can help identify variables associated with injuries. It is necessary to include physiological, constitution, physical performance, and nutritional variables in these models to generate more comprehensive models.

Keywords: Football players, GPS, injury, statistical models