A Systematic Scoping Review of Isokinetic Testing in High-Level Female Soccer Players: Methodological Considerations

There is a lack of clarity on the isokinetic testing of professional female soccer players (PFSPs) concerning the proper use of isokinetic testing, and the existing data, useful for rehabilitation purposes, are confusing. This review aims to highlight the main methodological issues and provide guidance for performing reliable isokinetic strength (IS) based on evidence data. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we selected 18 out of 98 papers dealing with healthy PFSPs surveying four databases. It emerged that there is a large difference between subjects even in comparable test conditions (e.g., usage of the same isokinetic device). The more reliable testing speed ranges from 60°/s to 180°/s. Employing lower or higher velocities does not add information to test results. Interlimb differences in healthy PFSP are confirmed to be approximately 10 percent. The H/Q ratio does not differ through the different calculation methods, considering eccentric values or not, in any considered menstrual cycle phase. It emerged that more methodological rigor is necessary in PFSP isokinetic testing.