Comparative analysis of isokinetic leg strength in professional soccer and basketball players

Abstract

This study aimed to compare and analyse flexion and extension peak torques and hamstring to quadriceps peak torque muscle ratio of the knee joints by measuring isokinetic knee strength in professional soccer and basketball players. Twenty-two players were recruited, which included 12 soccer players (age: 15.8±1.0 years) and 10 basketball players (age: 15.7±0.9 years). After recording the stature, body mass, body mass index, body fat percentage, body fat mass and vertical jump measurement of each participant, lower extremity knee-joint measurements were conducted using an isokinetic dynamometer at angular velocities of 60°s^-1 and 240°s^-1. Peak torques of the hamstring and quadriceps muscles at 60°s^-1 and 240°s^-1 were significantly higher in basketball than soccer players (p<0.05 to p<0.01). When the hamstring to quadriceps peak torque muscle ratios were compared between soccer and basketball players, the only significant difference was found in the left knee of basketball players at 60°s^-1. However, the relative strength of the hamstring and quadriceps muscles did not differ between soccer and basketball players at 60°s^-1 and 240°s^-1. In conclusion, body mass has a decisive effect on the production of peak torque values of quadriceps and hamstring muscles in soccer and basketball players.

Keywords: Hamstring; Quadriceps ratio; Peak torque; Knee flexion; Knee extension; Isokinetic strength.

South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation, 2013, 35(2): 73-82.