Can professional soccer practice lead to muscle strength imbalances?

  • José Carlos dos Santos Albarello Muscle Biomechanics Laboratory, Physical Education and Sports School, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
  • Gustavo Henrique Halmenschlager Muscle Biomechanics Laboratory, Physical Education and Sports School, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
  • Eduardo Favreto Biomechanics Laboratory, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Brazil.
  • Willian Fin Biomechanics Laboratory, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Brazil.
  • Mateus Ahlert Biomechanics Laboratory, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Brazil.
  • Cleiton Chiamonti Bona Biomechanics Laboratory, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Brazil.
Keywords: Bilateral asymmetry, H/Q ratio, Knee extensors, Knee flexors, Torque

Abstract

In this study, we compared the knee strength parameters tested in professional football players at the preparatory and competitive seasons, separated by 12 weeks. Knee extensors and flexors peak torque, hamstring to quadriceps conventional ratio (H/Qcon), and bilateral asymmetry index (AI) on the dominant and non-dominant limbs of 10 football players were evaluated in an isokinetic dynamometer. Paired t-test was used to compare all variables between the preparatory and competitive seasons. A one-sample t-test was used to compare the H/Qcon and AI with theoretical means defined as 0.6 and 10%, respectively. The results showed a significant peak torque improvement in the dominant side for both knee extensors (p=0.013) and flexors (p=0.003), whereas on the non-dominant limb there was no significant difference. Regarding the H/Qcon, dominant and non-dominant sides were below 0.6 during the preparatory and competitive seasons (p<0.001). The AI was significantly lower than 10% for the knee extensors during the competitive season (p=0.001) and for the knee flexors during the preparatory season (p=0.005), without difference between the preparatory and competitive seasons for the knee extensors and flexors. These results indicate that professional football practice potentially increases interlimb strength asymmetries, therefore, lower extremity limb dominance should be considered when designing resistance training and injury prevention programs for professional football players, as well special attention should be taken regarding the strengthening of the knee flexor muscles.

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Published
2023-02-26
How to Cite
Albarello, J. C. dos S., Halmenschlager, G. H., Favreto, E., Fin, W., Ahlert, M., & Bona, C. C. (2023). Can professional soccer practice lead to muscle strength imbalances?. RBFF - Brazilian Journal of Futsal and Football, 14(59), 485-493. Retrieved from https://www.rbff.com.br/index.php/rbff/article/view/1301
Issue
Vol. 14 No. 59 (2022)
Section
Scientific Articles - Original

Copyright (c) 2023 José Carlos dos Santos Albarello, Gustavo Henrique Halmenschlager, Eduardo Favreto, Willian Fin, Mateus Ahlert, Cleiton Chiamonti Bona

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