Hamstrings Strength Imbalance in Professional Football (Soccer) Players in Australia

• Ardern, Clare L. ^[1] ; Pizzari, Tania ^[1] ; Wollin, Martin R. ^[2] ; Webster, Kate E. ^[1]
  1. [1] La Trobe University

     La Trobe University

     Australia

     
  2. [2] Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra
• Localización: Journal of strength and conditioning research: the research journal of the NSCA, ISSN 1064-8011, Vol. 29, Nº. 4, 2015, págs. 997-1002
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Dialnet Métricas: 6 Citas
• Resumen

  • The aim of this study was to describe the isokinetic thigh muscle strength profile of professional male football players in Australia. Concentric (60° and 240°·s-1) and eccentric (30° and 120°·s-1) hamstrings and quadriceps isokinetic strength was measured with a HUMAC NORM dynamometer. The primary variables were bilateral concentric and eccentric hamstring and quadriceps peak torque ratios, concentric hamstring-quadriceps peak torque ratios, and mixed ratios (eccentric hamstring 30°·s-1 ÷ concentric quadriceps 240°·s-1). Hamstring strength imbalance was defined as deficits in any 2 of: bilateral concentric hamstring peak torque ratio <0.86, bilateral eccentric hamstring peak torque ratio <0.86, concentric hamstring-quadriceps ratio <0.47, and mixed ratio <0.80. Fifty-five strength tests involving 42 players were conducted. Ten players (24%) were identified as having hamstring strength imbalance. Athletes with strength imbalance had significantly reduced concentric and eccentric bilateral hamstring peak torque ratios at all angular velocities tested; and reduced eccentric quadriceps peak torque (30°·s-1) in their stance leg, compared with those without strength imbalance. Approximately, 1 in 4 players had preseason hamstring strength imbalance; and all strength deficits were observed in the stance leg. Concentric and eccentric hamstrings strength imbalance may impact in-season football performance and could have implications for the future risk of injury.