A Musculoskeletal Profile of Elite Female Soccer Players

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify lowerextremity (LE) musculoskeletal characteristics of elite female soccer players and to determine whether differences between dominant and nondominant extremities exist with respect to strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Physical data were collected from 26 female professional soccer players. Core control, hip and knee passive range of motion (PROM), LE flexibility, hip abductor strength, and dynamic functional alignment were assessed for each LE. Of 26 subjects, 21 scored 2/5 or less on core control. Mean hip internal rotation and external rotation were 33°(±8°) and 25°(±6.7°), respectively. All subjects had shortened twojoint hip flexors with an average knee flexion angle of 50°( ±11°) and increased femoral anteversion. Forty one of 48 dominant limbs and 42 of 48 nondominant limbs demonstrated deviations from neutral alignment during step down or single-leg squat. Of 25 subjects, 15 demonstrated a stiffknee landing and/or takeoff. All subjects demonstrated limitations in hip external rotation PROM and hip flexor length. There was no difference between dominant and nondominant LEs in all variables including hip abductor strength. Additional research is needed to determine if there is a correlation between the musculoskeletal characteristics, LE biomechanics, and potential risk for injury.Level of evidence: IV

Hip Musculoskeletal Conditions and Associated Factors That Influence Squat Performance: A Systematic Review

“…Three studies measured the effects of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), 15,24,25 1 study measured the effects of hip chondropathy (HC), 28 and 2 studies measured the effects of hip arthroscopy surgery 14,26 on squat performance (Table 2). Two studies examined the effects of muscle pain, 27,29 5 studies measured the effects of muscle fatigue, [30][31][32][33][34] and 2 studies reported the effects of muscle tightness 35,36 on squat performance ( Table 3). All qualifying manuscripts yielded a total of 542 subjects (160 men and 382 women; mean age = 29.3 (5.9) y) and measured performance with either the barbell squat, step down, bilateral, or single-leg squat.…”

“…All qualifying manuscripts yielded a total of 542 subjects (160 men and 382 women; mean age = 29.3 (5.9) y) and measured performance with either the barbell squat, step down, bilateral, or single-leg squat. 14,15,[24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36] Several studies also included other measures of performance that are described in Tables 2 and 3. 24,28,29,33,36 The following sections discuss the results of this analysis.…”

“…For hip muscle tightness, the research is emerging with only 2 investigations suggesting that hip-extensor function is decreased during the squat in individuals with tight hip flexors. 35,36 It is important to note that only female soccer players were investigated, which limits the generalizability to this population. 35,36 As the researchers 35,36 found, tight hip flexors inhibited the hip extensors.…”

“…There were no significant differences in hipand knee-extensor moments, isometric gluteus maximus strength, or biceps femoris activation between groups. 35 Chiaia et al 36 conducted a study to identify lower-extremity musculoskeletal characteristics among elite female soccer players. Twenty-six female adult professional soccer players (mean age of 25 y [range: 21-32 y]) participated in the study.…”

“…The researcher analyzed bilateral hip passive ROM; femoral anteversion; flexibility of hamstrings, hip flexors, quadriceps, and gastrocnemius; inner core control using pressure biofeedback; hip abductor strength; single-leg step down; and single-leg squat. 36 Upon completion, the researcher found that 21 of 26 subjects demonstrated poor core control. All subjects had shortened 2-joint hip flexors and increased femoral anteversion.…”