Flexibility, torque and kick performance in soccer: Effect of dominance

Abstract

Summary Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the knee flexor and extensor torques in isometric contractions, comparing the H:Q ratios, flexibility and maximal kick between dominant (DL) and non-dominant (NDL) limb of soccer players (SG) and active people (AG). Methods Subjects performed maximal instep kicks with each limb, flexibility tests and maximal isometric voluntary contractions of the knee flexion and extension at 45° and 90° to determine peak torque of the DL and NDL. Knee flexion torque was divided by the knee extension torque to calculate torque ratios (H:Q ratio). Results The flexibility and maximal kick in SG was significantly higher than in AG for both the DL and NDL ( P P P Conclusion Dominance related differences were evident in the flexor torque and maximal kick for SG, probably related to the asymmetric demand in trainings, which present no effect on the flexibility.