Trunk and Lower Body Muscle Strength in Soccer

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Soccer involves intermittent physical activity during high intensity short action sequences requiring numerous skills such as tackling, kicking, etc. This requires adequate lower limb and trunk muscle strength. Norm values of quadriceps/hamstrings, hip abductor/adductor and trunk flexors/extensors for elite and amateur soccer players in comparison to sedentary controls however are unclear. Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare muscle strength values and ratios of the abovementioned muscle groups between elite-, amateur soccer players and sedentary controls and to normalize these values by using the fat free mass. Measurements: Isokinetic (knee) and isometric (trunk, hip and knee) measurements were performed using a BIODEX® dynamometer while body composition was measured using DEXA. Participants signed an informed consent before measurements. Results: Elite players have a lower fat mass and a higher fat free mass compared to amateur players and sedentary controls. Additionally, they show higher values trunk extension in the semi-standing position (vs. amateur soccer players ranging from 18.4% to 22.0% difference) and isokinetic knee flexion (vs. sedentary controls ranging from 15.7% to 32.8% difference) for all relative strength measurements (TBW, FFM and FFM of the limb). All of the other measurements were not significantly different between groups.