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Lower-extremity strength profile of elite youth soccer players

Publication at First Faculty of Medicine, Central Library of Charles University, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport |
2016

Abstract

The aim of this study was to provide normative values of IS parameters in elite young soccer players. The sample consisted of elite youth soccer players of U16 category (n = 134).

Diagnostics was performed on the isokinetic dynamometer during concentric contractions at an angular speed of 60 o.s-1. We evaluated the following parameters: maximum peak muscle torque of knee extensors (PTE) and flexors (PTF) in the preferred (PL) and non-preferred leg (NL), ipsilateral ratio for both extremities (H:QP and H:QN), bilateral ratio between the knee extensors (QP:QN) and flexors (HP:HN).

Percentile scale and parametric t-test were used to data analysis. Normative values for the observed parameters were as follows: (N.kg-1): PTE-PL: P25 = 2.85, P50 = 3.11, P75 = 3.40, PTE-NL: P25 = 2.89, P50 = 3.06, P75 = 3.30; PTF-PL: P25 = 1.66, P50 = 1.82, P75 = 2.00, PTF-NL: P25 = 1.58, P50 = 1.75, P75 = 3.30.

Bilateral force deficit in knee extensors was (%): P25 = 3.0, P50 = 6.00, P75 = 12.00 and in knee flexors (%): P25 = 4.00, P50 = 8.00, P75 = 13.00. Ipsilateral ratio H:Q was in the preferred leg (%): P25 = 53, P50 = 59.00, P75 = 64.00 and in the non-preferred leg (%): P25 = 51.00, P50 = 58.00, P75 = 63.00.

The players achieved significantly higher PTKF-PL(p<0.01).Results of the study may be used as a portfolio performance related to the comparison of normative values. More attention should be paid to knee flexors and ipsilateral ratio in the non-preferred leg.