Research article summary (published 27 Feb 2006):

Bilateral isokinetic peak torque of quadriceps and hamstring muscles in professional soccer players with dominance on one or both two sides.

Full Abstract

AIM: Dominance of one leg may cause asymmetry between the contralateral muscle groups and develop predisposition for injury to the leg with the weaker muscle strength. The purpose of this study was to examine the strength balance in the extensor and flexor muscle groups, as well as the hamstring to quadriceps (H/Q) ratios of both legs in professional soccer players with dominance on one or both legs. METHODS: Forty-two professional soccer players of the first Greek division participated in this study. Participants were divided into 3 groups according to their leg use during training sessions and matches. Fifteen players comprised the first group with dominance to the right leg, 12 players formed the second group with dominance to the left leg, and 15 players consisted the third group with dominance to both the right and left legs. Maximum voluntary concentric torque of the hamstring and quadriceps muscles of both legs was assessed using a Norm isokinetic dynamometer at angular velocities of 12 degrees, 60 degrees, 180 degrees and 300 degrees/s. RESULTS: No significant differences in the strength balance found between the groups. The isokinetic variables comparing the right and left body side in each group, with dominance on one or both legs, did not differ. No differences were recorded in the H/Q between the right and left legs for any of the subject groups. CONCLUSIONS: There is no evidence of muscle imbalances in extensor and flexor muscle groups and H/Q ratios between the right and left legs in professional soccer players with dominance on one or both legs. The training sessions and matches appear to have imposed strength balance for the right and left body sides of professional soccer players.

Author information

Author/s: Zakas, A (A);

Affiliation: Laboratory of Coaching, Division of Sports, Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece. azakas(-atsign-)phed.auth.gr

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article

Journal: The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness (J Sports Med Phys Fitness), published in Italy. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Mar; vol 46 (issue 1) : pp 28-35

Dates: Created 2006/04/05; Completed 2006/10/24; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 16596096, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult Biomechanics Functional Laterality - physiology Humans

Muscle, Skeletal - physiology Quadriceps Muscle - physiology Soccer - physiology Torque

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