Maximal oxygen uptake and concentric isokinetic muscle strength in pubertal football trained and untrained boys of the same biological age
Abstract
The effects of long term football training on maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2) and isokinetic muscle strength were studied in young football players and untrained boys of the same biological age (Tanner's stage 3). Young football players (n= 20, age 14 +- 1 yrs, yrs of training 7 +- 3) and 18 untrained boys (mean age 14 +- 1 yrs) were tested for maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2) on the treadmill and isokinetic peak torque values of quadriceps (Q) and hamstrings (H) as well as the H : Q strength ratios were recorded.
Results showed that the trained group had significantly higher V̇O2 max (p < 0.001) compared to the untrained group. At angular velocities of 60 ° s-1 and 180 ° s-1 the relative peak torque of Q and H were significantly higher (Q = p < 0.01; H = p < 0.01).
However, the absolute values of Q and H as well as the H : Q ratios at all angular velocities did not differ significantly between the two groups. The results suggest that systematic football training has a positive effect in cardiorespiratory system and neuromuscular function.