Isokinetic Assessment of the Knee of Amateur Soccer and Amateur Rugby Players

Abstract

Introduction: Isokinetic technique is an objective and reproducible assessment of muscle strength. Due to high rates of knee injury among soccer and rugby players, the condition of knee joint muscles is critical not only for physical therapists, but also for improving the performance of the players. Aims: Comparing the strength of the knee flexors and extensors between amateur soccer players and rugby players as well as the level of strength according to the function occupied on the field. Materials and Methods: Twelve soccer and 10 rugby players were selected based on occupying different functions on the field and were assessed on the isokinetic dynamometer, Cybex Norm. The isokinetic muscle strength of the quadriceps and hamstrings in the concentric mode was measured at two angular velocities: 60°/s and 180°/s. The parameters studied were peak torque and hamstring on quadriceps ratio. Results: There was no significant difference in the isokinetic strength of the extensors and flexors between the soccer players and rugby players at both speeds. However, in soccer players, the torque in Newton Meter of the non-dominant knee extensors of the goalkeepers and defenders group at high speed was statistically higher than the torque of the strikers and midfielders group (P < 0.05). Likewise, in rugby players the torque at lowspeed of the non-dominant knee extensors of upper front line players was statistically higher than the torque of the backline players (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Regardless of the anthropometric characteristics, there is a difference in isokinetic strength depending on the function occupied on the field by the athlete.