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. 2024 Aug 26;16(1):180.
doi: 10.1186/s13102-024-00961-y.

The isometric and isokinetic knee extension and flexion muscle strength profile of elite soccer players

Charly Keytsman  1   2 , Jonas Verbrugghe  3 , Bert O Eijnde  4
Affiliations

The isometric and isokinetic knee extension and flexion muscle strength profile of elite soccer players

Charly Keytsman et al. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. .

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to further complete normative data sets for the strength profile of the thigh in soccer players by performing isometric and isokinetic measurements in a large sample per player position.

Methods: In total, 364 soccer players were divided into subgroups according to their pitch position. All players performed isometric and isokinetic strength measurements during active competition period using an isokinetic dynamometer (System 3, Biodex®, ENRAF-NONIUS, New York, USA).

Results: Isokinetic strength of m. Quadriceps was significantly (p = 0.023) higher in strikers compared to central midfielders in both the dominant (+ 9%) and the non-dominant (+ 4%) leg. No further differences were found in isometric or isokinetic strength per playing positions.

Conclusions: We have shown that strength profiles do not differ between playing positions on the field. This is valuable information for elite soccer high performance coaches and medical staffs aiming to improve daily training efficiency and rehabilitation of their players.

Keywords: Injury prevention; Rehabilitation; Soccer; Strength.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Isometric strength characteristics. Data are presented as means ± SD’s and represent isometric peak torque values (A ,in Nm/kg) and ratios (B, peak strength of m. Hamstrings divided by peak strength of m. Quadriceps, in %) in a 90° angle of m. Quadriceps (full line) and 45° angle of m. Hamstrings (dotted line) of the dominant and non-dominant leg, in all players (A & B) and per player positions (C & D) following 2 maximal isometric contractions (4 s)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Isokinetic strength characteristics in 180°/s. Data are presented as means ± SD’s and represent mean peak torque values of the 3 highest maximal isokinetic contractions at 180°/s (Figure A, in Nm/kg) and ratios (B, peak strength of m. Hamstrings divided by peak strength of m. Quadriceps, in %) of m. Quadriceps (full line) and m. Hamstrings (dotted line) of the dominant and non-dominant leg, in all players (A) and per player positions (C & D) following 30 maximal isokinetic contractions. *p < 0.05 between both mean peak torque values
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