Method The participants of the study were 100 amauteur male soccer players (aged 18 to 45). Each player filled in a qualitative questionnaire about his personal characteristics and sport practice (training, matches, etc.) and previous injuries (muscle, meniscal, injuries, tendinopathies, fractures, etc.). The participants also completed the Stai–State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Spielberger et al, 1968). This questionnaire investigates the anxiety level, both in a specific situation (before the match, in this study) and in everyday life.

Results The data were tested for correlations between anxiety (state and trait) levels and number of injuries (divided in specific types). Tendinopathies positively correlated both with state (rho=0.243; p<0.05) and trait anxiety (rho=0.205; p<0.05). Also fractures positively correlated both with state (rho=0.295; p<0.01) and trait anxiety (rho=0.368; p<0.01).

Differences in injuries between participants who reported high or low anxiety levels were also explored. Players with higher level of state anxiety (N=35) reported more tendinopathies (p<0.01) and fractures (p<0.01). Similarly, players with higher levels of trait anxiety (N=33) reported more tendinopathies (p<0.05) and fractures (p<0.01).

Discussion The present results support the contention that anxiety is an important factor, significantly associated with injuries, such as tendinopathies and fractures. In addict, several studies have shown that lack of readiness to take action, tough-mindedness or presence of a generalized high status of muscle tone, might be factors related to injury in a player with anxiety traits. Hence, with respect to psychological components, situation-related emotional states and coping resources may represent important avenues for interventions aimed at preserving health status and preventing injuries in soccer players.