Nottingham Forest Trials Proteomics Blood Test to Predict Athlete Injury Risk
A new study uses protein analysis to monitor player health and extend professional careers.
1Innovative Injury Prevention Trial
Nottingham Forest is partnering with Glasgow-based biotechnology firm Entourage to conduct a 12-week study on injury prediction. The trial involves 25 players from the club’s men’s B-Team. Researchers will analyze blood samples twice weekly to track thousands of proteins, aiming to identify biological signals that precede non-contact soft tissue injuries.
2Focus on Proteomics Technology
The study centers on proteomics, the comprehensive analysis of proteins within the body. Scientists will monitor markers associated with inflammation, immune function, and senescent cells, often called zombie cells. By tracking these specific biological signals, the team hopes to build a detailed profile of how individual players respond to training and matches.
3Addressing Rising Injury Rates
Uefa research indicates that hamstring injuries accounted for one in five days lost to injury during the 2021/22 season, doubling the rate from two decades ago. In English professional football, the median absence for such injuries is 19 days. This trial seeks to provide actionable data to mitigate these significant career disruptions.
4Individualized Recovery Strategies
The project aims to move medical care from estimation to precise measurement. By understanding a player's unique biological response to workload, medical teams can tailor recovery approaches. If one player shows higher inflammation levels post-match than another, staff can adjust training loads accordingly to prevent potential long-term damage or recurring issues.
5Extending Professional Athletic Careers
Professor Patrick Gunning, CEO of Entourage, suggests that tracking previously invisible biological factors could help athletes compete well into their 40s. By establishing a baseline profile for professional footballers, the technology allows for meaningful comparisons. This evidence-led approach supports the club's commitment to player care and long-term physical health management.
6Potential for Market Impact
The technology could eventually lead to a Moneyball-style application for biodata in football. Clubs might use biological information alongside performance statistics to assess transfer values and long-term availability. Smaller clubs could potentially identify undervalued players, while larger teams might better manage their existing assets by predicting injury risks before they occur.
7Broader Medical Research Applications
Entourage, a University of Glasgow spin-out, operates with a five million-dollar pre-seed investment. While the current focus is elite sport, the underlying proteomics technology has wider medical potential. Published research already suggests plasma proteomics could help identify conditions like cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, and type 2 diabetes in the general population.
8Future of Data-Driven Sports
As AI and instrumentation costs decrease, protein analysis becomes faster and more accessible for clinical use. Dr. Mark Lindsay emphasizes that you cannot manage what you cannot measure. Following the 12-week trial, Entourage will report its findings to Nottingham Forest, potentially setting a new standard for evidence-based player management in football.