The relationship between quadriceps and hamstring isokinetic peak muscle strength and ball velocity in young soccer players

• Main Authors: Hasan Aka, Gamze Çobanoğlu, Şeyda Özal, Cengiz Akarçeşme, Nevin Atalay Güzel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Turkish Sports Medicine Association 2021-03-01
• Series: Spor Hekimligi Dergisi
• Subjects: soccer; isokinetic strength; quadriceps; hamstring; ball velocit
• Online Access: https://journalofsportsmedicine.org/eng/full-text-pdf/576/tur

Objective: This study has been conducted to evaluate the relationship between quadriceps femoris (Q) and hamstring (H) muscles strength and ball velocity of soccer players. Materials and Methods: 54 young soccer players (aged: 18,4±1,9 years) who were at the reserve squad of two different professional teams voluntarily participated in the study. The knee muscle strength of the participants was determined by Cybex isokinetic dynamometer. The assessment of concentric and eccentric strength of Q and H muscles has been performed at the speed of 60⁰/sn. Ball velocities were determined by radar. The relationship between the isokinetic muscle strength and ball velocity has been depicted by Pearson Correlation Analysis. Results: There was an excellent relationship between the ball velocity and concentric Q muscle strength of soccer players; a good relationship between concentric H muscle strength and the ball velocity; a very good relationship between eccentric Q muscle strength and the ball velocity; and a low-medium relationship between eccentric H muscle strength and ball velocity (p<0,05). However, there was no significant relationship between the rate of Hecc/Qcon and ball velocity of soccer players (p>0,05). Conclusion: Ball velocity of soccer players were closely related to concentric and eccentric strength of Q and H muscles. Improving the knee muscle strength is crucial to increase ball velocity which is an important determinant of athletic performance in soccer.