Abstract
AimTo evaluate the reliability of isometric peak force (IPF) in a novel “long-length” 90°Hip:20°Knee (90:20) strength test and to compare the simulated soccer match induced fatigue-recovery profile of IPF in this test with that of an isometric 90°Hip:90°Knee (90:90) position test.MethodsTwenty semi-professional soccer players volunteered for the study of which 14 participated in the first part of the study which assessed 90:20 reliability (age = 21.3 ± 2.5 years, height = 1.79 ± 0.07 m, body mass = 73.2 ± 8.8 kg), while 17 completed the second part of the study evaluating fatigue-recovery (age 21.2±2.4 yrs., height = 180 ± 0.09 m, body mass 73.8 ± 8.9 kg). We evaluated the inter-session reliability of IPF in two 90:20 test protocols (hands on the wall (HW); and hands on chest (HC)) both performed on two occasions, 7 days apart. We then assessed 90:20 (HC) and 90:90 IPF immediately before (PRE) and after (POST) after a simulated soccer match protocol (BEAST90mod) and 48 (+48 h) and 72 hours (+72 h) later.ResultsPart one: the 90:20 showed moderate to high overall reliability (CV’s of 7.3% to 11.0%) across test positions and limbs. CV’s were lower in the HW than HC in the dominant (7.3% vs 11.0%) but the opposite happened in the non-dominant limb where CV’s were higher in the HW than HC (9.7% vs 7.3%). Based on these results, the HC position was used in part two of the study. Part two: 90:20 and 90:90 IPF was significantly lower POST compared to PRE BEAST90mod across all testing positions (p<0.001). IPF was significantly lower at +48 h compared to PRE in the 90:20 in both limbs (Dominant: p<0.01,Non-dominant: p≤0.05), but not in the 90:90. At +72 h, IPF was not significantly different from PRE in either test.ConclusionsSimple to implement posterior IPF tests can help to define recovery from competition and training load in football and, potentially, in other multiple sprint athletes. Testing posterior chain IPF in a more knee extended 90:20 position may provide greater sensitivity to fatigue at 48 h post simulated competition than testing in the 90:90 position, but also may require greater degree of familiarization due to more functional testing position.
Highlights
Hamstring strain injuries (HSI) are the most common injury in multiple sprint team sports such as soccer [1] and a professional team of 25 players can expect approximately 5–7 hamstring strains per season [1,2] which can have a significant impact on team performance and success [3]
Isometric force fatigue-recovery profile following simulated soccer competition the hands against the wall (HW) than hands on chest (HC) (9.7% vs 7.3%)
The HC position was used in part two of the study
Summary
Hamstring strain injuries (HSI) are the most common injury in multiple sprint team sports such as soccer [1] and a professional team of 25 players can expect approximately 5–7 hamstring strains per season [1,2] which can have a significant impact on team performance and success [3]. It is well recognized that HSI risk is determined by the interaction between a number of non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors [4]. There is particular interest in neuromuscular performance characteristics that can be screened for, and potentially addressed in training interventions, such as inadequate hamstrings strength [5] and inter-limb strength imbalances [6,7]. One approach that may reduce HSI risk is to regularly assess player’s hamstrings strength inseason between competitive matches [14,15,16,17] in order to identify significant changes which may represent excessive muscle fatigue/inadequate recovery or adaptation, information which may inform decisions on training load, match participation and / or recovery strategies, or warrant further examination of the athlete
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