A prospective field epidemiological study on Italian professional soccer players

Objectives. This paper describes the design and conduct of a prospective study on the health status of Italian male professional soccer players, including the collection of a biological sample in order to perform molecular studies on intermediate markers. We are here reporting the model developed and used to conduct the study. Methods. Soccer players from 39 out of 42 teams belonging to the A and B league during the 2003-2004 seasons were contacted and asked to answer an epidemiological and neurological questionnaire. Results. Among the 1041 identified subjects, 785 were available the day of the interview, and 94.6% of them accepted to participate in this study; the acceptance rate for giving the biological sample was 94.4%. Conclusions. This study represents a model on how to approach a specific population, selected on the basis of its profession. The main issues to address were the development and maintenance of a relationship with the team physicians and the soccer players, and the gain of trust and interest of the players.