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Observational Study
. 2020 Dec 1;20(4):488-497.

Effect of Training and Match Loads on Hamstring Passive Stiffness in Professional Soccer Players

Danguole Satkunskiene  1 , Tiago M da Silva  2 , Sigitas Kamandulis  1 , Nuno M C Leite  3 , Aurelijus Domeika  4 , Mantas Mickevicius  1 , Audrius Snieckus  1
Affiliations
Observational Study

Effect of Training and Match Loads on Hamstring Passive Stiffness in Professional Soccer Players

Danguole Satkunskiene et al. J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact. .

Abstract

Objective: the purpose of this study was to identify differences in hamstring passive stiffness between the pre-season and in-season periods.

Methods: Hamstring strength and passive stiffness were measured in professional male soccer players before and after the pre-season (4 weeks), and after the in-season (6 weeks) periods using an isokinetic dynamometer. Muscle passive stiffness was determined from the slope of the passive torque-angle relationship. External loads (acceleration and jumps) were monitored by GPS and internal loads by questionnaire.

Results: Hamstring passive stiffness increased after 10 weeks of training and matches, without changes in passive peak torque and range of motion. The hamstring passive stiffness modifications were associated with the volume and intensity of accelerations and jumps. The individual data analysis also provided some support for the suppression of the biomechanical adaptation in the subjects with relatively large external load.

Conclusions: Regular training and match workouts increase hamstring passive stiffness in professional soccer players but the adaptation of muscle-tendon unit passive elements might not occur if players experience excessive mechanical stress.

Keywords: Adaptation Effect; Jump; Running; Serial Elastic; Strength.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Position for passive knee extension testing and stretching maneuver on Biodex system 3. On the left side of the picture shows the starting position with the knee at 80° and the hip in approximately 120° flexion. On the right side - the position at the end of stretching - point of maximum knee extension without pain.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The passive torque–angle relationship fitted to the third-degree polynomial before season (baseline), after the pre-season and after the in-season period for the same soccer player.
Figure 3
Figure 3
External and internal player load per week in-season period. **, significantly different (P < 0.01) compared with the Week 1 value.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Relationship between acceleration (ACC), deceleration (DCC), and jump events and the increase of stiffness in hamstring muscles.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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