Shorter Rest Periods Increase Risk of Knee Injuries in NFL Players, Study Finds

Recent research conducted by the University of Missouri School of Medicine highlights a significant link between rest periods and knee injuries among NFL players. The study reveals that players are considerably more susceptible to specific knee injuries, particularly tears in the extensor mechanism, when they have limited recovery time between games.

Knee injuries are prevalent in professional football, but this research specifically focused on injuries involving ruptures or tears of the extensor mechanism—the crucial muscle-tendon complex responsible for straightening the knee. According to Dr. Steven DeFroda, an author of the study, damage to this mechanism can severely impair knee stability and make joint extension painful, potentially jeopardizing an athlete’s career.

Analyzing public data from the 2009-2023 NFL seasons, the researchers discovered that players are 3.7 times more likely to experience a tear during a short rest week—defined as less than seven days of recovery—compared to longer rest periods. Moreover, during a standard rest week of exactly seven days, the risk of injury increases by 4.7 times relative to extended rest weeks. Interestingly, the study found no significant difference in injury risk when comparing short and normal rest periods, suggesting that adequate recovery time is vital.

The findings also indicate that cumulative microtrauma from a rigorous season may contribute to injury risk, emphasizing the importance of sufficient rest, especially for players showing signs of fatigue or inadequate recovery. The study further revealed that injuries are more common on artificial turf compared to natural grass, likely due to less impact absorption by synthetic surfaces.

DeFroda emphasized that understanding injury patterns can inform better prevention strategies. Monitoring recovery times and addressing season fatigue are crucial as athletes participate in increasingly condensed schedules.

The study was published in The Journal of Knee Surgery and adds valuable insight into how rest and playing surface may influence injury risk among professional football players.