International level soccer players had significantly higher peak torque of hamstrings (p=0.006), hamstrings/quadriceps ratio (p<0.001), and total work of hamstrings (p=0.012) than non-internationals.
Cross-Sectional (n=100)
Are there differences in concentric isokinetic strength characteristics of the knee extensor and flexor musculature between international and non-international elite soccer players?
International elite soccer players demonstrate greater hamstring strength and better between-leg strength symmetry compared to non-international players, highlighting the importance of hamstring strength training.
p-value: p=<0.001
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the differences in concentric isokinetic strength characteristics of the knee extensor and knee flexor musculature between international (IL) and non-international level (N-IL) soccer players. The second aim is to establish strength symmetry status in knee muscles for dominant (DL) and non-dominant (NDL) legs for both within and between groups. 100 male top elite soccer players (IL: n = 36, age = 27.5 ± 3.4 years and N-IL: n = 64, age = 27.7 ± 6.4 years) underwent concentric isokinetic strength tests, using a Biodex System 3 dynamometer. Results indicate that statistically significant differences between groups were noted for peak torque of hamstrings (PT-H), hamstrings/quadriceps (H/Q) ratio, and total work of hamstrings (TW-H), where mean values for the IL were similarly higher than for the N-IL group (p = 0.006, p < 0.001, and p = 0.012, respectively). Our results also showed statistically significant differences for peak torque of quadriceps (PT-Q), PT-H, total work of quadriceps (TW-Q) and TW-H between legs, where mean values noted for the DL were higher than for the NDL for both groups (p = 0.021, p < 0.001, p = 0.006, and p = 0.004, respectively). Additional results show that IL players presented more symmetrical strength between legs than N-IL. The results of this study indicate that that the greatest differences in isokinetic strength performance across players at different soccer levels relate to the hamstring muscle. As a result, systematic strength training of these muscle groups is strongly recommended.
Śliwowski et al. (Wed,) conducted a cross-sectional in Elite soccer players (n=100). International level status vs. Non-international level status was evaluated on Concentric isokinetic strength characteristics of the knee extensor and knee flexor musculature (p=<0.001). International level soccer players had significantly higher peak torque of hamstrings (p=0.006), hamstrings/quadriceps ratio (p<0.001), and total work of hamstrings (p=0.012) than non-internationals.