The Determination of Functional Movement Proficiency and Lower Body Strength Based On Age-Related Deficiency in Adolescent Soccer Players

Purpose : This study aimed to assess functional movement proficiency and lower body strength among soccer players, categorized by chronological and peak height velocity (PHV) status. Methods : A sample of 79 male soccer players were divided into four chronological (U13, U14, U15, and U16) and three (pre-, circa-, and post-PHV) biological groups. Functional Movement Screen, countermovement jump with and without arms, squat jump, and peak muscle torque of knee extensors and flexors were assessed. Results : Significant differences were observed between pre-, circa-, and post-PHV groups. Chronological age analysis revealed significant differences in PHV, Functional Movement Screen (U14 vs. U16), peak muscle torque of knee extensors and flexors, and vertical ground reaction force in squat jump (U13 vs. U16). Differences in jump height were found between older groups (U15 and U16) and younger groups (U13 and U14) across all jump tests. Biological maturation affected jump height between pre-, circa-, and post-PHV groups, while strength of peak muscle torque of knee extensors and flexors differed between pre- and circa-PHV groups. Conclusion : Functional movement proficiency and lower body strength are influenced by different stages of PHV. Muscle strength of the knee extensors and flexors were lower in pre-PHV players compared with circa-PHV players.