COMPARISON OF PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND ISOKINETIC KNEE MUSCLE STRENGTHS IN PROFESSIONAL AND AMATEUR FOOTBALL PLAYERS
Sabire AKIN1, Özlem ÖNER COŞKUN2, Z Nisa ÖZBERK2, Hayri ERTAN3, Feza KORKUSUZ4
1Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, Sağlık Merkezi, FTR Ünitesi
2Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, SRM Fizyoterapist
3Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Yüksekokulu
4Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, Sağlık Merkezi, Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji Ünitesi
Keywords: Isokinetic, soccer, concentric muscle strength.
Abstract
Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine the physical characteristics, body composition and isokinetic knee muscle strength in professional and amateur soccer players.
Patients and methods: One of the Turkish first division soccer team (n=23) and a university soccer team (n=14) volunteered for the present study. Age, body weight, height, % body fat, fat body mass and lean body mass were measured. Flexibility was measured by sit and reach test. Dominant leg hamstring and quadriceps muscle strength was evaluated at 3 speeds in concentric contractions (180°/sec, 300°/sec and 450°/sec) by Biodex System 3 Pro Isokinetic dynamometer. Peak torque (PT), PT/ body weight and hamstring/ quadriceps PT ratio were assesed.
Results: Age, body weight, % body fat, body fat mass were significantly higher in professional players however lean body mass was significantly higher in amateur players (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in body weight and body mass index between the two groups. Professional players present concentric flexor and extensor strengths significantly higher than that of the amateur players on the dominant leg at 180°/sec and 300°/sec(p<0.05). But amateur players muscle strengths were higher at 450°/sec. The hamstring/quadriceps PT ratio of the amateur players were significantly higher than that of the professional players at 300°/sec and 450°/ sec(p<0.05).
Discussion: The findings of this present study depend on the age and training backgound of the professional players. Muscular endurance and flexibility exercises must include into the training programs of professional players; strength and aerobic training must include into the amateur players training program.