Evaluation of the relationship between isokinetic strength and two different soccer throw-in performances

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to determine ball velocity and throwing distance in standing and running throw-in techniques, and to correlate this performances with isokinetic torques of the, elbow, shoulder, and trunk extensors and flexors. 14 male amateur soccer players volunteered to participate to the current study. Concentric Isokinetic tests were measured at 60 and 180 ◦ /s angular velocities for elbow and shoulder, 30 and 120 ◦ /s angular velocities for trunk. Ball velocity was measured by a radar gun and the throwing distance was measured regarding throw-in performance. Unpaired t-test was used to analyze ball velocity and throwing distance differences between two different throwing techniques. To clarify relationship between isokinetic strength values and ball velocities and distance which occur during two types of throwing techniques Pearson Correlation Analyze was used. There were no statistical significant differences regarding throwing velocity and distance between two different throw-in tech- niques. Eventhough, theisokineticvaluesandthrowingvelocitiesdidnotcorrelatewitheachother, therewasapositivecorrelation between standing throw-in distance with elbow (non-dominant flexion at 60 and 180 ◦ s −1 ), shoulder (dominant flexion-extension at 60 and 180 ◦ s −1 , non-dominant extension at 60 and 180 ◦ s −1 ) and trunk (flexion at 30 and 120 ◦ s −1 ). The only correlation between running throw-in and throwing distance occurred in shoulder (dominant extension at 60 ◦ s −1 ) and trunk (flexion at 30 ◦ s −1 ). In conclusion, the isokinetic strength values regarding upper extremity is strong factor that describes standing throw-in performance. However; it is not highly correlated with the running throw-in performance in soccer.