Objective: FIFA has introduced a warm-up program known as the FIFA+11 referees program to mitigate injuries among football referees. However, to date, no investigation has examined its effect on the knee isokinetic strength of female futsal referees. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of the eight-week implementation of the FIFA+11 referees program on the knee isokinetic strength of female futsal referees in Tehran province.
Method: This randomized quasi-experimental study involved pre-test and post-test assessment. The statistical population of this study was all female futsal referees in Tehran province in 2023, and 40 people were considered for the total sample size. Then, they were randomly assigned into two experimental groups (FIFA+11 referees program, n=20) and a control group (general warm-up, n=20). The experimental group utilized the FIFA+11 referees program as part of their warm-up in training sessions, completing it a minimum of two times per week, while the control group maintained their typical warm-up routines. The isokinetic strength of the knee flexor (hamstring) and extensor (quadricep) was assessed at 60º/S, 180º/S, and 270º/S speeds. The Evaluation of the strength of the flexor and extensor muscles of the knee joint by the isokinetic dynamometer at varying speeds (60º/S, 180º/S, and 270º/S) was administered as pre-test measures. Subsequently, the intervention group received an exercise protocol (twenty-four 20-minute sessions of the FIFA+11 referees program). Following the intervention, the muscle strength of the hamstring and quadricep muscles of the knee joint (at 60º/S, 180º/S, and 270º/S) of all participants in both groups was assessed again as post-tests. A multivariate covariance (ANCOVA) analysis was utilized to analyze the data. Data was statistically analyzed in SPSS software.
Results: The results showed that the 8-week implementation of the FIFA+11 referees program had no significant effect on the isokinetic strength of hamstring at 60º/S, 180º/S, and 270º/S speeds, but significantly affected the quadricep peak torque at 60º/S (ηp2=0.146, p=0.06, F=3.92), 180º/S (ηp2=0.144, p=0.061, F=3.87), and 270º/S (ηp2=0.127, p=0.081, F=3.34) speeds of female futsal referees in Tehran province.
Conclusion: An increase in isokinetic strength could enhance the referee's physical performance and potentially reduce the risk of injury over the long term. Professionals and coaches can use the FIFA+11 referees program as an injury prevention program, and other exercises should be added to this program for greater effectiveness of this intervention.