scholarly journals The relationships between knee extensors/ flexors strength and balance control in elite male soccer players

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e12461
Author(s):  
Robert Śliwowski ◽  
Jakub Marynowicz ◽  
Łukasz Jadczak ◽  
Monika Grygorowicz ◽  
Paweł Kalinowski ◽  
...  

Background Strength and balance are important factors for soccer players to be successful. This study’s aim was to determine the relationship between lower-limb muscle strength and balance control in elite male soccer players (n = 77). Methods Concentric isokinetic strength (peak torque of quadriceps (PT-Q) and hamstrings (PT-H), hamstrings/quadriceps (H/Q) ratio) was measured for the dominant and non-dominant leg at angular velocities of 60°s−1and 240°s−1, as well as the total work for extensors (TW-Q) and flexors (TW-H) for both legs (at an angular velocity of 240°s−1only). Balance score (BAL score) was used for unilateral assessment of balance control using a Delos Postural System Test measurement tool. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed to predict balance control using isokinetic knee strength performance for dominant and non-dominant legs. Results Final modelling included peak torque of hamstrings at 240°s−1 and peak torque of the quadriceps at 240°s−1 for the non-dominant leg (R2 = 19.6%; p ≤ 0.001) and only peak hamstring torque at 240°s−1 for the dominant leg (R2 = 11.3%; p = 0.003) as significant predictors of balance score. Conclusion Findings indicate that balance control is widely influenced by peak hamstring torque and peak quadriceps torque at high angular velocity particularly in the non-dominant leg i.e., the supporting leg in soccer players.

2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-60
Author(s):  
Tomáš Malý ◽  
František Zahálka ◽  
Lucia Malá ◽  
Jaroslav Teplan

Th e aim of the study was to present isokinetic strength profi le of knee fl exors and extensors during concentric contraction in young soccer players. Particularly in knee fl exors was evaluated also strength during eccentric contraction. Research group was state from young soccer players U17 category (n=19, age=16,4±0,3 years). All of them are the participant of highest junior soccer league. Isokinetic strength was evaluated by isokinetic dynamometr Cybex Humac Norm in following angular velocities: 30, 60 and 120°/s in eccentric contraction and 60, 180, 240 and 300 °/s in concentric contraction. Th e results did not revealed signifi cant diff erences at three diff erent speed levels of knee fl exors’ strength during eccentric contraction (p>0,05). Regarding the concentric contraction we found signifi cant diff erences for strength production depending on angular velocity for both knee extensors and fl exors (p<0,01). Knee fl exors generated more strength during eccentric contraction compared to concentric contraction. Th e strength profi les developed in the present study can assist in the establishment of baseline data in young soccer players or for comparison values with other researchers.


2001 ◽  
Vol 90 (4) ◽  
pp. 1205-1210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen M. Roth ◽  
Matthew A. Schrager ◽  
Robert E. Ferrell ◽  
Steven E. Riechman ◽  
E. Jeffrey Metter ◽  
...  

The relationship between ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) genotype and muscle strength was examined in 494 healthy men and women across the entire adult age span (20–90 yr). Concentric (Con) and eccentric (Ecc) peak torque were assessed using a Kin-Com isokinetic dynamometer for the knee extensors (KE) and knee flexors (KF) at slow (0.52 rad/s) and faster (3.14 rad/s) velocities. The results were covaried for age, gender, and body mass or fat-free mass (FFM). Individuals heterozygous for the CNTF null (A allele) mutation (G/A) exhibited significantly higher Con peak torque of the KE and KF at 3.14 rad/s than G/G homozygotes when age, gender, and body mass were covaried ( P < 0.05). When the dominant leg FFM (estimated muscle mass) was used in place of body mass as a covariate, Con peak torque of the KE at 3.14 rad/s was also significantly greater in the G/A individuals ( P < 0.05). In addition, muscle quality of the KE (peak torque at 3.14 rad · s−1 · leg muscle mass−1) was significantly greater in the G/A heterozygotes ( P < 0.05). Similar results were seen in a subanalysis of subjects 60 yr and older, as well as in Caucasian subjects. In contrast, A/A homozygotes demonstrated significantly lower Ecc peak torque at 0.52 rad/s for both KE and KF compared with G/G and G/A groups ( P < 0.05). No significant relationships were observed at 0.52 rad/s between genotype and Con peak torque. These data indicate that individuals exhibiting the G/A genotype possess significantly greater muscular strength and muscle quality at relatively fast contraction speeds than do G/G individuals. Because of high positive correlations between fast-velocity peak torque and muscular power, these findings suggest that further investigations should address the relationship between CNTF genotype and muscular power.


1990 ◽  
Vol 69 (6) ◽  
pp. 2215-2221 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. A. Dudley ◽  
R. T. Harris ◽  
M. R. Duvoisin ◽  
B. M. Hather ◽  
P. Buchanan

The speed-torque relationship of the right knee extensor muscle group was investigated in eight untrained subjects (28 +/- 2 yr old). Torque was measured at a specific knee angle during isokinetic concentric or eccentric actions at nine angular velocities (0.17-3.66 rad/s) and during isometric actions. Activation was by "maximal" voluntary effort or by transcutaneous tetanic electrical stimulation that induced an isometric torque equal to 60% (STIM 1) or 45% (STIM 2) of the voluntary isometric value. Torque increased (P less than 0.05) to 1.4 times isometric as the speed of eccentric actions increased to 1.57 rad/s for STIM 1 and STIM 2. Thereafter, increases in eccentric speed did not further increase torque. Torque did not increase (P greater than 0.05) above isometric for voluntary eccentric actions. As the speed of concentric actions increased from 0.00 to 3.66 rad/s, torque decreased (P less than 0.05) more (P less than 0.05) for both STIM 1 and STIM 2 (two-thirds) than for voluntary activation (one-half). As a result of these responses, torque changed three times as much (P less than 0.05) across speeds of concentric and eccentric actions with artificial (3.4-fold) than voluntary (1.1-fold) activation. The results indicate that with artificial activation the normalized speed-torque relationship of the knee extensors in situ is remarkably similar to that of isolated muscle. The relationship for voluntary activation, in contrast, suggests that the ability of the central nervous system to activate the knee extensors during maximal efforts depends on the speed and type of muscle action performed.


2008 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 280-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong “Tai” Wang ◽  
Konstantinos Dino Vrongistinos ◽  
Dali Xu

The purposes of this study were to examine the consistency of wheelchair athletes’ upper-limb kinematics in consecutive propulsive cycles and to investigate the relationship between the maximum angular velocities of the upper arm and forearm and the consistency of the upper-limb kinematical pattern. Eleven elite international wheelchair racers propelled their own chairs on a roller while performing maximum speeds during wheelchair propulsion. A Qualisys motion analysis system was used to film the wheelchair propulsive cycles. Six reflective markers placed on the right shoulder, elbow, wrist joints, metacarpal, wheel axis, and wheel were automatically digitized. The deviations in cycle time, upper-arm and forearm angles, and angular velocities among these propulsive cycles were analyzed. The results demonstrated that in the consecutive cycles of wheelchair propulsion the increased maximum angular velocity may lead to increased variability in the upper-limb angular kinematics. It is speculated that this increased variability may be important for the distribution of load on different upper-extremity muscles to avoid the fatigue during wheelchair racing.


2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (12) ◽  
pp. 936-943 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonggun Kim ◽  
JongEun Yim

AbstractThis study aimed to examine the effects of a rehabilitation exercise combined with instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization on the isokinetic power, muscle fatigue, and fitness of soccer players. An interventional study design was used to assess 40 subjects aged 15–17 years. Twenty participants each in instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and control groups completed several tests to determine player development. The results showed significant differences between the two groups with respect to the isokinetic power of the ankle (i. e., dorsiflexion, peak torque body weight at the right- and left-foot angular velocities of 30°/s and 120°/s; plantar flexion, peak torque body weight at the right- and left-foot angular velocities of 30°/s and 120°/s) and knee (extension, right peak-torque body weight at 60°/s and 180°/s and left peak-torque body weight at 60°/s; flexion, right and left peak-torque body weight at 60°/s and 180°/s), muscle fatigue, and physical fitness (P<0.05). Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization in soccer players suggests that the characteristics of athletic performance may be improved by decrease in fatigue and increase in fitness and muscle power. Therefore, we suggest instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization for soccer players to increase their performance.


2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (06) ◽  
pp. 509-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chu-Fen Chang ◽  
Ting-Ming Wang ◽  
Wei-Ching Lo ◽  
Tung-Wu Lu ◽  
Shih-Wun Hong ◽  
...  

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have been reported to have various levels of deficits in balance control, which can be described using the relationship between the body's centre of mass (COM) and the centre of pressure (COP). This study aimed to investigate the balance control of children with spastic diplegic CP during level walking. The COM-COP inclination angles and angular velocities, as well as temporal-spatial variables from 12 children with spastic diplegic CP (seven girls and five boys, aged 12.4 ± 4.4 years) and 12 normal controls (eight girls and four boys, aged 11.2 ± 4.4 years) were obtained using a motion analysis system and two forceplates. With compromised balance control as a result of neuromusculoskeletal pathologies, the CP group walked with reduced walking speed and stride length (p < 0.05), but increased stride time and step width (p < 0.05), indicating reduced gait efficiency. They also showed significantly reduced anterioposterior COM-COP inclination angles and angular velocities (p < 0.05), but increased mediolateral COM-COP inclination angles and angular velocities (p < 0.05) when compared to the normal controls. The latter phenomenon may be related to an increased risk of falling in these patients. Therefore, it appears that programs and/or devices for preventing falls are needed for children with spastic diplegic CP.


2012 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 159-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niyazi Eniseler ◽  
Çağatay Şahan ◽  
Hikmet Vurgun ◽  
Hasan Mavi

Isokinetic Strength Responses to Season-long Training and Competition in Turkish Elite Soccer PlayersThere are not enough studies that describe the isokinetic strength of professional soccer players at high angular velocities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the seasonal changes in isokinetic strength of Turkish professional soccer players (n=14) over the course of a 24-week soccer season. The isokinetic strength of players who underwent usual soccer training and weekly competition throughout the soccer season was assessed by means of the Biodex System 3 dynamometer with the knee attachment. The peak torque of knee extensor and flexor muscles were measured at angular velocities of 60°/s, 300°/s and 500°/s. Players were tested at the beginning and end of the competitive season. While the first- and second-test measurements did not show significant changes at 60°/s and 300°/s angular velocities, at the end of the training period, players' knee strength changed significantly at 500°/s angular velocities. In addition, the H/Q ratio improved significantly for the dominant as well as non-dominant leg at 500°/s. Significant bilateral strength improvements for knee flexors were also observed at 500°/s. The findings of this study suggest that usual daily soccer training (technical, tactical, power, strength, endurance, flexibility, etc.) and weekly competition might produce changes in knee strength at high angular velocities.


Sports ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 129
Author(s):  
Chris Bishop ◽  
Giuseppe Coratella ◽  
Marco Beato

(1) Background: the present study examined the isokinetic peak torque exerted by both knee extensors and flexors, anterior–posterior imbalance and the magnitude and direction of inter-limb asymmetry in professional and academy soccer players. (2) Methods: one hundred soccer players (professional = 50, elite academy = 50) volunteered to take part in this investigation. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure the knee extensor (quadriceps) and flexors muscle (hamstrings) torques of the limbs as well as inter-limb asymmetries—using a standard percentage difference equation. (3) Results: professional players exhibited significantly greater (effect size [ES] = large) strength levels in the quadriceps and hamstrings under both testing conditions, significantly higher (small to moderate) intra-limb ratio values for 60°·s−1 but not for the 300°·s−1 test condition, significantly (small to moderate) lower inter-limb asymmetry values for all test conditions, with the exception of the hamstrings at 60°·s−1 and the direction of asymmetry was poor to slight, indicating that limb dominance was rarely the same between groups. (4) Conclusions: this study shows that isokinetic assessments, i.e., peak torque exerted by both knee extensors and flexors and intra-limb ratio, and the subsequent inter-limb asymmetry, i.e., magnitude and direction, can differentiate between professional and academy soccer players.


2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michal Lehnert ◽  
Petr Stastny ◽  
James J. Tufano ◽  
Pavel Stolfa

Background:During soccer-specific movements, the strength of knee extensors and flexors is of great importance and achieving certain strength ratios between the two has been identified as an important parameter for reducing the risk of soft tissue injuries around the knee.Objective:The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in isokinetic strength of the knee flexors and extensors and their strength ratios in elite adolescent soccer players.Methods:Before and after 10 weeks of standard pre-season soccer training with progressive eccentric hamstring exercises, the players (n=18; age 17.1±0.4 years) participated in isokinetic testing to assess concentric and eccentric peak torque at 60°·s-1.Results:After 10 weeks of training, the peak eccentric torque of the non-dominant quadriceps increased (p=0.018; ω=0.24). Additionally, the average eccentric work increased in the dominant hamstrings (p=0.007; ω=0.23), dominant quadriceps (p=0.02; ω=0.31), non-dominant hamstrings (p=0.003; ω=0.25 and non-dominant quadriceps (p=0.01; ω=0.37). Lastly, the isokinetic functional ratio (eccentric hamstrings-to-concentric quadriceps) increased in favor of eccentric hamstring strength in the non-dominant limb (p=0.04; ω=0.31).Conclusion:The results of the study indicate that pre-season training induced suboptimal changes in the isokinetic strength of the knee flexors and extensors in elite adolescent soccer players. However, the lack of injuries combined with an apparent lack of preparedness explained by slow velocity isokinetic testing indicates that future research should investigate other forms of strength testing to determine soccer-specific preparedness such as isokinetic dynamometry at higher speeds (i.e.180°.s-1or 240°.s-1) and traditional weight-room testing such as 1RM tests.


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