@Article{Tabben2026,
journal="Biology of Sport",
issn="0860-021X",
volume="43",
number="1",
year="2026",
title="Longitudinal cohort study on subsequent injury risk in 
professional football players in the Qatar Stars League: 
a probabilistic approach using basic learning",
abstract="Better	understanding	of	the	biomechanical	and	physiological	mechanisms	underlying	subsequent	injuries	could	have	substantial	implications	for	clinical	practice	in	sports	medicine.	We	investigated	subsequent	injury risk among professional football players in the Qatar Stars League (QSL), focusing on injury recurrence patterns over nine competitive seasons (2013–2021). Through an observational cohort study, we collected data on	time-loss	injuries	from	1,258 players,	recording	4,700 injuries	categorized	by	body	part,	injury	type,	and	recurrence.	Utilizing	Markov	model,	we	explored	probabilistic	links	between	initial/index	and	subsequent	injuries	(defined	as	those	occurring	within	the	same	season),	highlighting	patterns	of	recurrence	in	muscle	groups	prone	to	biomechanical	strain.	Our	analysis	identified	1,599 injuries	(34%	of	total)	as	subsequent,	primarily	affecting	the	thigh	(notably	hamstrings)	and	groin.	For	instance,	hamstring	injuries	exhibited	an	7.5%	(± 1.3%)	probability	of	recurrence	within	the	same	season,	while	groin	injuries	had	a 2.9%	(± 0.82%)	probability	of	resulting	in	subsequent	hamstring	injury.	Our	findings	suggest	that	even	basic	probabilistic	modeling,	such	as	Markov	chains, can enhance targeted injury prevention strategies. The high rate of recurrence, particularly in lower limb muscles,	underscores	the	need	for	tailored	rehabilitation	programs	emphasizing	biomechanical	stability.	This comprehensive	study	offers	a robust	evidence	base	for	injury	mitigation	strategies	in	elite	football,	recommending proactive monitoring and data-driven interventions to reduce injury recurrence and enhance player health, availability, and long-term performance.",
author="Tabben, Montassar
and Chamari, Karim
and Alkhelaifi, Khalid
and Alam, Tanvir
and Almulla, Jassim",
pages="489--498",
doi="10.5114/biolsport.2026.152345",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2026.152345"
}