Análise da expressão sistêmica de biomarcadores de degradação articular: um comparativo entre atletas profissionais de futebol com e sem histórico de lesões articulares em membro inferiores

Abstract

Professional soccer participation exposes players to the highest frequencies and intensities of loads and joint injuries in the lower limbs. These factors are associated with greater risks of osteoarthritis development. Retired soccer athletes have a high prevalence of the disease. This scenario provides an impairment network that connects symptoms and joint limitations to the reduction in the quality of life of this population. Understanding microprocesses through the study of specific pathophysiological pathways, contribute to the evolution of monitoring, prevention and early intervention strategies directed to the context of soccer. Therefore, the objective of this study was to associate the evidence already in the literature about the pathophysiological processes of osteoarthritis to the dynamics of professional soccer, highlighting as the highest risk pathways associated with the sport. It is concluded that high joint demands seem to be related to the development of hip osteoarthritis, while joint injuries are the main risk factors for knee and ankle osteoarthritis. Minimizing the risk of joint damage, health education and the validation of tools that identify early disease-related changes can be important strategies for reducing risks and losses related to this population profile.