Dynamometric Strength Profile of Hip Muscles in Youth Soccer Players

Abstract

Background: Soccer is the most widely practiced sport in the world, demanding high-speed activities such as jumps, sprints and changes of direction. Therefore, having optimal levels of muscle strength improves performance and reduces the injury rate. Objectives: The objectives of our study were (i) to determine the dynamometric profile of hip muscle strength in young soccer players by position, evaluated at different isokinetic speeds, (ii) to describe the conventional and functional unilateral muscle strength ratios, (iii) to analyze the bilateral balance. Methods: Thirty-seven male soccer players (age 17.02 ± 0.92 years) participated in the study. Strength assessment was performed with a functional electromechanical dynamometer, and concentric and eccentric strength of abductors, adductors, extensors and hip flexors were measured bilaterally at 0.5 m/s and 1 m/s. Results: For eccentric right hip abduction at 0.5 m/s, defenders are significantly stronger than midfielders (p = 0.013) and stronger than forwards (p = 0.140). For eccentric right hip adduction at 0.5 m/s, defenders are significantly stronger than midfielders (p = 0.005) and stronger than forwards (p = 0.253), as for eccentric right hip adduction at 1 m/s, defenders are significantly stronger than midfielders (p = 0.014) and stronger than forwards (p = 0.084). There is a significant effect for the conventional strength ratio of left abduction/adduction at 1 m/s. The conventional strength ratio of forwards is significantly higher than that of defenders (p = 0.045) and higher than that of midfielders (p = 0.152). Conclusions: Concentric and eccentric hip strength values differ according to playing position.

Comparison of force variables and dynamic strength index between age groups in elite young Brazilian football goalkeepers

“…This is largely explained by two points, the first being the natural increase in body mass and in particular muscle mass that occurs during adolescence as a result of biological maturation (15, 29, 30). The second point is the improvement of muscle function as force production through concentric action, both due to the training stimuli (31,32) and the biological development arising from the increase in the hormone secretion rate (33-35).…”