Physical and Physiological Profile of Elite Female Soccer Players

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0262 PURPOSE: To develop a physical and physiological profile of elite female soccer players. METHODS: Data was collected from 26 female soccer players during the first two weeks of pre-season training camp for a Women's United Soccer Association team. Measurements were taken of body composition, aerobic capacity, speed, functional strength, posture, ROM of the hip and knee, LE flexibility, and core control using Sahrmann's lower abdominal progression. Dynamic functional alignment was measured during an 8» step down, single leg squat, and landing from a jump off a 12» platform using a system developed by the authors. RESULTS: Mean body fat % was 17 % (±5). Mean VO2 max was 46 ml/kg/min (±5.4ml/kg/min), and ventilatory threshold occurred at 87% (± 3.7) of VO2max. Times for the 40yd dash, 10 yd start andflying 30 yds were 5.87 (±0.27), 2.00 (±0.1) and 3.85 (± 0.19) secs respectively. Mean vertical jump height was 16». Mean hamstring flexibility was 77°(±6.1°) and 73° (±7.3) for dominant and non-dominant legs respectively. All subjects presented with a positive Thomas test and femoral anteversion as measured by Craig's test. The average knee flexion in the resting position was 50°(±11°). Mean Hip IR and ER were 33°(± 8°) and 25°(±6.7°) respectively. In static standing posture, 15 subjects had bilateral and 10 subjects had unilateral femoral IR, 8 of which were dominant limbs. Eight-one percent of the subjects scored 2 (maximum score 5) during testing of core control. Ninety-six percent of subjects demonstrated deviations from neutral alignment during the step down and single leg squat, while 60% demonstrated a stiff knee landing and/or takeoff. CONCLUSION: As compared to established normative data, the players demonstrated limitations in hip IR and ER, hamstring and 2 joint hip flexor muscle length. The majority of players demonstrated inadequate core control and deviations in dynamic alignment.