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Paravlic AH, Abazovic E, Milanović Z, Vučković G, Spudić D, Hadzic V, Pajek M, Vodičar J. The association between unilateral and bilateral performance-related measures in elite female soccer players: a multifaceted investigation. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1298159. [PMID: 38952868 PMCID: PMC11215189 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1298159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The present study aimed to investigate a) the associations between bilateral performance utilizing countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), speed and unilateral CMJ, isokinetic peak torque in knee extension and flexion with angular velocities of 60°/s and 180°/s and tensiomyography (TMG) parameters; b) whether the asymmetries derived from unilateral tests are associated with bilateral CMJ, SJ and speed in elite female soccer players. Methods Thirty-five elite female soccer players (average age: 20 ± 5 years) completed CMJ, SJ, speed, isokinetic muscle strength and TMG tests. Results Compared to the non-dominant leg, the dominant leg demonstrated greater peak torque output in both knee flexion (7.4%) and knee extension (5.6%) isokinetic tasks, as well as m. vastus medialis contraction time (7.6%), and soccer-specific agility test (4.1%). Conversely, the hamstring to quadriceps peak torque ratio at 180°/s (8.5%) was significantly greater in the non-dominant leg. The associations between CMJ, SJ and speed performance were positive and ranged from weak (r = 0.350) to high (r = 0.710). For speed and TMG-derived variables, correlations were negative and ranged from weak (r = -0.345, p = 0.042, for vastus medialis contraction time) to moderate (r = -0.530, p = 0.001, for biceps femoris contraction time). Furthermore, both bilateral CMJ and SJ negatively correlated with TMG-derived variables, ranging from weak (r = -0.350, p = 0.039, for vastus lateralis contraction time) to moderate (r = -0.537, p = 0.003, for rectus femoris contraction time). Conclusion The overall significant, albeit inconsistent, correlations between the diverse performance scores obtained highlight the necessity for a multifaceted and thorough diagnostic strategy in female soccer players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Huso Paravlic
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Science and Research Centre Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, Koper, Slovenia
- Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Ensar Abazovic
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Zoran Milanović
- Science and Research Centre Koper, Institute for Kinesiology Research, Koper, Slovenia
- Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Nis, Nis, Serbia
| | - Goran Vučković
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Darjan Spudić
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vedran Hadzic
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Pajek
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janez Vodičar
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Śliwowski R, Paillard T, Bojkowski Ł, Dudziński W, Patek M, Marynowicz J. Intra- and inter-limb strength imbalance and asymmetry in soccer: A comparison of elite senior and junior players. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302474. [PMID: 38669272 PMCID: PMC11051617 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Evaluation of muscle strength imbalance can be an important element in optimizing the training process of soccer players. The purpose of the study was to examine isokinetic peak torque (PT) and total work (TW) exerted by both knee extensors (quadriceps or Q) and flexors (hamstrings or H), intra-limb imbalance and the magnitude and direction of inter-limb asymmetry in top elite senior (n = 109) and junior (n = 74) soccer players. An isokinetic dynamometry was used to measure maximum peak torque of quadriceps (PT-Q) and hamstrings (PT-H) at an angular velocity of 60° ·s-1, as well as the total work for extensors (TW-Q) and flexors (TW-H) at an angular velocity of 240° ·s-1 in the dominant (DL) and non-dominant leg (NDL) during concentric muscle contraction. Intra-limb imbalance and inter-limb asymmetries were calculated using a standard equation. Statistical analysis using t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test revealed: (a) no differences (p > 0.05) between groups for PT-Q and PT-H, (b) greater strength levels (p < 0.05) for TW-Q and TW-H of senior players than juniors, and (c) no differences (p > 0.05) between groups for intra-limb imbalance and inter-limb asymmetry. Additionally, Pearson's chi-kwadrat (χ2) analysis showed no differences (p > 0.05) between groups for intra-limb imbalance and inter-limb asymmetry in relation to the 'normative' values accepted in the literature that indicate an increase in the risk of knee injury. This study shows that isokinetic assessment can be an important tool to identify imbalances/asymmetries and to develop strategies to reduce the risk of muscle injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Śliwowski
- Department of Theory and Methodology of Team Sport Games, Poznan University of Physical Education, Poznan, Poland
| | - Thierry Paillard
- Department of Sport Sciences, University of Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, E2S UPPA, MEPS Laboratory, Tarbes, France
| | - Łukasz Bojkowski
- Department of Psychology, Poznan University of Physical Education, Poznan, Poland
| | - Witold Dudziński
- Rehasport Clinic FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Poznan, Poland
| | - Mikołaj Patek
- Department of Theory and Methodology of Team Sport Games, Poznan University of Physical Education, Poznan, Poland
| | - Jakub Marynowicz
- Department of Theory and Methodology of Team Sport Games, Poznan University of Physical Education, Poznan, Poland
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Beato M, Datson N, Anderson L, Brownlee T, Coates A, Hulton A. Rationale and Practical Recommendations for Testing Protocols in Female Soccer: A Narrative Review. J Strength Cond Res 2023; 37:1912-1922. [PMID: 37184978 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Beato, M, Datson, N, Anderson, L, Brownlee, T, Coates, A, and Hulton, A. Rationale and practical recommendations for testing protocols in female soccer: A narrative review. J Strength Cond Res 37(9): 1912-1922, 2023-The aim of this narrative review is to evaluate the presented literature on tests (aerobic, speed, changes of direction [COD], strength, power, jump, and anthropometry) of the varied components of female soccer and to draw attention to the most suitable protocols to allow practitioners to accurately track players' fitness status. The 2 most common field tests used to assess aerobic fitness are the Yo-Yo intermittent test (level 1 and level 2) and the 30-15 intermittent fitness test because of an ability to measure multiple players at once with a soccer-specific intermittent profile. The sprinting performance can be assessed on distances of <30 m; however, longer distances (e.g., 40 m) allow for achieving peak speed (flying sprint test), which can be assessed using global navigation satellite system. Changes-of-direction capacity has been found to be an important component of players testing and training programs, although there is no "gold standard" to assess COD or repeated sprint ability performance in female players. Lower-limb power can be assessed using jump tests that can use force platforms, jump mats, and optoelectronic devices, while maintaining a good reliability. Several in-direct tests are currently available for assessing anthropometry parameters, such as skinfold thickness, hydrodensitometry, and ultrasound. However, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry is the most valid and reliable method for assessing body composition in team sport athletes, with the addition of bone health that is a key measure in female athletes. In conclusion, the evidence reported in this review will be able to aid practitioners, coaches, and researchers to decide which tests meet the requirements of their environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Beato
- School of Health and Sports Sciences, University of Suffolk, Suffolk, United Kingdom
| | - Naomi Datson
- Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester, United Kingdom
| | - Liam Anderson
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; and
| | - Thomas Brownlee
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; and
| | - Alex Coates
- School of Health and Sports Sciences, University of Suffolk, Suffolk, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Hulton
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Surrey, United Kingdom
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Bishop C, de Keijzer KL, Turner AN, Beato M. Measuring Interlimb Asymmetry for Strength and Power: A Brief Review of Assessment Methods, Data Analysis, Current Evidence, and Practical Recommendations. J Strength Cond Res 2023; 37:745-750. [PMID: 36695841 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Bishop, C, de Keijzer, KL, Turner, AN, and Beato, M. Measuring interlimb asymmetry for strength and power: A brief review of assessment methods, data analysis, current evidence, and practical recommendations. J Strength Cond Res 37(3): 745-750, 2023-The aim of this brief narrative review is to summarize the present evidence, provide recommendations for data analysis, and provide appropriate training methods to reduce strength and power asymmetries within athlete populations. Present evidence shows that a strong interest in the assessment of asymmetry exists. Despite the perceived associated relationship between asymmetry and injury and performance, a clear link is still missing. Practitioners need to be aware of this when they decide to assess asymmetries and later design training interventions. Several bilateral and unilateral tests could be used to assess asymmetries, such as isokinetic dynamometry, the isometric mid-thigh pull, squat, and Nordic hamstring exercise. Based on the current evidence, future investigations require further standardization of methodology and analysis to optimize interpretation (e.g., within session and between session), adoption, and implementation of interlimb asymmetry testing and appropriate interventions. In this review, 3 training interventions have been proposed to reduce existing lower limb asymmetries in sport populations: traditional resistance training, flywheel resistance training, and combined training interventions, with some evidence suggesting that such interventions can reduce lower limb asymmetries. Nonetheless, the number and quality of articles currently available are too limited to draw firm conclusions; therefore, further research is needed to verify whether training interventions can achieve these aims. To develop an understanding and application of interventions addressing interlimb asymmetries within the sport, greater methodological rigor should be applied toward study design, data analysis, and interpretation of future investigations and when appraising the current literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Bishop
- Faculty of Science and Technology, London Sport Institute, Middlesex University at Stone-X Stadium, London, United Kingdom; and
| | - Kevin L de Keijzer
- School of Health and Sports Science, University of Suffolk, Ipswich, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony N Turner
- Faculty of Science and Technology, London Sport Institute, Middlesex University at Stone-X Stadium, London, United Kingdom; and
| | - Marco Beato
- School of Health and Sports Science, University of Suffolk, Ipswich, United Kingdom
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Knee Isokinetic Profiles and Reference Values of Professional Female Soccer Players. Sports (Basel) 2022; 10:sports10120204. [PMID: 36548501 PMCID: PMC9781290 DOI: 10.3390/sports10120204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Few studies have previously evaluated isokinetic parameters in female soccer players in comparison to those in males. The aim of this study was to describe normative quadriceps (Q) and hamstring (H) muscle strength values in professional female soccer players and to examine differences between dominant leg (DL) and nondominant leg (NDL). A standardized test protocol of concentric knee extension and flexion test protocol was conducted using the dynamometer isokinetic system (IsoMEd 2000). All the participants were healthy female professional soccer players from Spanish first and second division teams. Players were assessed for peak torque (PT) and maximum work (MW) values at 60°/s, 180°/s, and 240°/s. The mean difference was 7.17 (p-value = 0.0036), 4.4 (p-value = 0.0386), and 4.25 Nm (p-value = 0.0241) at speed 60°, 180°, and 240°/s, respectively. No statistically significant differences were detected for H-Q values between DL and NDL. This difference was 6.44 (p-value = 0.0449), and 5.87 J (p-value = 0.0266) at speed 60°, and 180°/s. The present study can be a tool that health professionals working with female professional soccer players in their care can use to assess and monitor a particular player.
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Bishop C, Manuel J, Drury B, Beato M, Turner A. Assessing Eccentric Hamstring Strength Using the NordBord: Between-Session Reliability and Interlimb Asymmetries in Professional Soccer Players. J Strength Cond Res 2022; 36:2552-2557. [PMID: 35916878 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Bishop, C, Manuel, J, Drury, B, Beato, M, and Turner, A. Assessing eccentric hamstring strength using the NordBord: between-session reliability and interlimb asymmetries in professional soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 36(9): 2552-2557, 2022-The aims of the current study were to (a) determine between-session reliability of peak force during the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) in professional soccer players during the preseason and (b) determine the subsequent magnitude and direction of peak force asymmetry from the NHE between all test sessions. The NHE was used as a weekly monitoring tool in 14 professional soccer players, throughout a 6-week pre-season period to record peak force from the NordBord device (in Newtons-N) across an average of 6 repetitions for the dominant and nondominant limbs. The first 2 weeks were used as familiarization sessions, with 4 data collection sessions thereafter. When considering relative reliability, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) showed moderate levels of between-session reliability across the 4 weeks on both limbs (dominant = 0.54-0.73 and nondominant = 0.68-0.73) and for the sum total (0.69-0.73). For absolute reliability, both limbs showed coefficient of variation (CV) values <10% across all 4 weeks, with the exception of the dominant limb between sessions 1-2 (10.06%). When determining systematic bias, no meaningful changes were evident in peak force on either limb ( g = -0.59 to 0.40) or for the magnitude of asymmetry ( g = -0.24 to 0.35). However, when assessing consistency in the direction of asymmetry, levels of agreement ranged from 43 to 57% across the data collection period, indicating substantial variation in the superior performing limb from session to session. The findings from this study indicate that 2 familiarization sessions is enough to elicit reliable peak force data during the NHE in professional soccer players during preseason, despite a very small learning effect across the testing period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Bishop
- London Sport Institute, Middlesex University, StoneX Stadium, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jack Manuel
- Leyton Orient Football Club, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Drury
- Department of Sport, Hartpury University, Gloucester, United Kingdom ; and
| | - Marco Beato
- School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Suffolk, Ipswich, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Turner
- London Sport Institute, Middlesex University, StoneX Stadium, London, United Kingdom
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Neira A, Silvestre R, Debandi A, Darras D, Cristi-Sánchez I, Barra I, Peñailillo L, De La Fuente C. Is the Rotatory Knee Stability Immediately Decreased Following a Competitive Soccer Match? Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:903131. [PMID: 35935511 PMCID: PMC9354053 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.903131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatigue induced by soccer playing increases physical efforts, which might alter the transverse knee stability, a known factor that promotes knee injuries, particularly anterior cruciate ligament injury. Thereby, primarily, we aimed to determine whether rotatory knee stability decreases immediately following a competitive soccer match in amateur players. Furthermore, we assessed the role of the preferred and non-preferred limbs to kick a ball in rotatory knee stability and the correlation between performance parameters and rotatory knee stability. We hypothesized that the knee stability decreases immediately after a competitive soccer match in amateur players. Eight healthy amateur soccer players (aged 27.2 ± 4.7 years and with body mass index of 23.8 ± 1.2 kg m−2) were included immediately before and after a competitive soccer match. The rotatory knee stability was assessed in the preferred and non-preferred limbs through the acceleration and jerk of the pivot shift maneuver and by the internal knee rotation of a pivoting landing task. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA for factors time (before and after the soccer match) and limb (preferred and non-preferred) and multiple comparisons were performed using α = 5%. There was a statistical significance for the main factor time in the acceleration (5.04 vs. 6.90 ms−2, Δ = 1.86 ms−2, p = 0.020, η2 = 0.331) and jerk (18.46 vs. 32.10 ms−2, Δ = 13.64 ms−2, p = 0.004, η2 = 0.456) of the pivot shift maneuver. Rotatory stability decreases following a competitive soccer match in amateur soccer players under fatigue. Both the acceleration and jerk during the pivot shift maneuver is increased without significant internal knee rotation changes during the pivoting landing task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Neira
- Escuela Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
- *Correspondence: Alejandro Neira,
| | - Rony Silvestre
- Unidad de Biomecánica, Centro de Innovación, Clínica MEDS, Santiago, Chile
- Carrera de Kinesiología, Departamento de Cs. de la Salud, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Aníbal Debandi
- Traumatología, Clínica MEDS, Santiago, Chile
- Servicio Traumatologéa, Hospital Clénico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Iver Cristi-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Neuromecánica Aplicada, Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ignacio Barra
- Escuela Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis Peñailillo
- Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences Laboratory, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos De La Fuente
- Unidad de Biomecánica, Centro de Innovación, Clínica MEDS, Santiago, Chile
- Carrera de Kinesiología, Departamento de Cs. de la Salud, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Laboratory of Neuromechanics, Universidade Federal do Pampa, Campus Uruguaiana, Uruguaiana, Brazil
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Diker G, Struzik A, Ön S, Zileli R. The Relationship between the Hamstring-to-Quadriceps Ratio and Jumping and Sprinting Abilities of Young Male Soccer Players. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127471. [PMID: 35742720 PMCID: PMC9224157 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The correct torque ratio between the knee joint extensor and flexor muscle groups can effectively prevent injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament and hamstring strain. However, it is unclear whether a high torque ratio of the knee joint flexor muscles to the extensor muscles is beneficial for sport performance. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between the hamstring-to-quadriceps (H/Q) ratio and sprint times (10- and 30-m) and jump heights (CMJ—countermovement jump and SJ—squat jump) in soccer players. The study examined 26 young elite soccer players (age: 18.1 ± 0.7 years; body height: 1.77 ± 0.05 m; body mass: 72.7 ± 5.7 kg). Knee joint flexor and extensor peak torques were assessed using the Cybex dynamometer (at 60°/s, 120°/s and 180°/s). Additionally, each participant performed the CMJ, SJ, and 30 m sprint. A significant relationship was obtained between the H/Q ratio (60°/s) and 30 m sprint time (r = 0.47). The positive direction of this relationship may indicate an important role of knee joint extensors in sprinting performance. Moreover, the H/Q ratio was not significantly associated with the CMJ, SJ or 10 m sprint performance. The H/Q ratio should be considered together with the peak torque values in terms of the assessment of sprinting and jumping performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gürkan Diker
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sports Science, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas 58000, Turkey
- Correspondence: (G.D.); (A.S.)
| | - Artur Struzik
- Department of Biomechanics, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-684 Wrocław, Poland
- Correspondence: (G.D.); (A.S.)
| | - Sadi Ön
- Department of Coaching Education, School of Physical Education and Sports, Ahi Evran University, Kırşehir 40100, Turkey;
| | - Raif Zileli
- Department of Child Development, Faculty of Health Science, Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University, Bilecik 11000, Turkey;
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