Abstract
The main objective(s) of the studyThe aim of this study was to analyze: a) abnormalities in the length of lower limb muscles, b) the correctness of movement patterns, and c) the impact of functional limitations of muscles on the correctness of fundamental movement patterns in a group of female soccer players, in relation to their skill level.Materials and Methods21 female soccer players from Polish Ekstraklasa and 22 players from the 1st Division were tested for lower limb muscle length restrictions and level of fundamental movement skills (with the Fundamental Movement Screen™ test concept by Gray Cook). Chi-square test was used for categorical unrelated variables. Differences between groups in absolute point values were analyzed using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.ResultsStatistically significant higher number of measurements indicating an abnormal length of rectus femoris was observed in the 1st Division group (p = 0.0433). In the group of Ekstraklasa the authors obtained a significantly higher number of abnormal hamstring test results (p = 0.0006). Ekstraklasa players scored higher in the rotational stability test of the trunk (p = 0.0008), whereas the 1st Division players scored higher in the following tests: deep squat (p = 0.0220), in-line lunge (p = 0.0042) and active straight leg raise (p = 0.0125). The results suggest that there are different functional reasons affecting point values obtained in the FMS™ tests in both analyzed groups.ConclusionsThe differences in the flexibility of rectus femoris and hamstring muscle observed between female soccer players with different levels of training, may result from a long-term impact of soccer training on the muscle-tendon system and articular structures. Different causes of abnormalities in fundamental movement patterns in both analyzed groups suggest the need for tailoring prevention programs to the level of sport skills represented by the players.
Highlights
Soccer is the most popular sport discipline in the world
The results suggest that there are different functional reasons affecting point values obtained in the FMSTM tests in both analyzed groups
Different causes of abnormalities in fundamental movement patterns in both analyzed groups suggest the need for tailoring prevention programs to the level of sport skills represented by the players
Summary
Soccer is the most popular sport discipline in the world. Statistical data from 2006 demonstrates that the international soccer association, FIFA, unites 207 male and female national federations, and associates over 265 million female and male players. According to FIFA statistics [1], in 2006 in Poland there were over 180,000 female and 1.8 million male registered players who played soccer professionally and recreationally, and the numbers are still growing. The growing number of both male and female active players is a positive sign, as it may help raise the skill level in the discipline. Knee injuries are common and constitute a serious problem regardless of the player’s skill level [5]. They result in long breaks in training, and in some cases they may be the direct cause for leaving the game [6]
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