Health experts are predicting a rise in injuries this summer as unfit Brits attempt to copy their sporting heroes.

With a busy schedule of sporting competition in full swing, research among 200 Bupa-affiliated physiotherapists reveals concerns of an increase in copycat injuries, with World Cup wannabes at particularly high risk.

The study, by AposTherapy, shows that one in six Brits who have stepped up their fitness levels after watching sport have either injured themselves or made an existing condition worse. AposTherapy warns that many of these injuries result from copycat sporting moves, including Ronaldo-esque swerving free kicks, Kevin Pietersen ‘switch hits', Cannavaro slide tackles, or the trademark Jon Daly backswing.

Almost one in five Brits who are tuning into the summer of sport on TV says that watching sport on the box makes them want to step up their own fitness regimes. And with an estimated 45 million people likely to tune into this year’s World Cup, physiotherapists expect many to launch themselves straight from the sofa onto the football pitch without proper preparation.

Football’s quick changes of pace and direction, and often bruising tackles, all put pressure on knee ligaments and the lower back, according to the experts. The consequences of these activities can be serious, with many of those injured playing sport either having to take time off work through injury (21%)or undergo preventative surgery (11%).

A quarter of Britons (26%) already suffer some form of knee pain, while one in four physiotherapists (26%) has also seen an increase in knee injuries over the last two years.

Commenting on the findings from AposTherapy, a drug- and surgery-free knee and back therapy offered by Bupa, clinician Chris Conbeer said, “It’s brilliant to see that people will be inspired to become more active by what promises to be a great summer of sport. However, by suddenly increasing the amount of sport, you do can put real pressure on your joints if you don’t prepare properly.

“Anyone thinking about taking up sport, whether it’s going for a run, a game of five-a-side football or a friendly game of tennis, should make sure they take precautions. Warm up and stretch properly, then make sure to cool down afterwards. That way, you can ensure a summer of sport ends in a permanent, healthy change in your lifestyle, and not a trip to the hospital.”

For further information, go to www.bupa.com