Relationships between Body Build and Knee Joint Flexor and Extensor Torque of Polish First-Division Soccer Players

Jadwiga Pietraszewska,Bogdan Pietraszewski,Anna Burdukiewicz,Aleksandra Stachoń,Artur Struzik

doi:10.3390/app10030783

Jadwiga Pietraszewska, Bogdan Pietraszewski + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/app10030783

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Abstract

The aim of the study is to identify the relationships between anthropometric variables and knee joint extensor peak torque, knee joint flexor peak torque, and conventional hamstring-to-quadriceps ratio in Polish first-division soccer players. The study examined 37 soccer players aged 19 to 30 years (body mass: 76.8 ± 7.2 kg, body height 1.82 ± 0.06 m). Muscle torques of the knee joint were measured under isometric conditions using a Biodex 4 Pro dynamometer. The anthropometric variables such as body part lengths, breadths, and girths and skinfold thickness were measured. The strongest relationships of knee joint extensors were observed with body mass and variables describing skeleton size and lower-limb muscles. Regarding knee flexor torque, a significant relationship was found only with body mass. However, no significant relationships were observed between the conventional hamstring-to-quadriceps ratio and the anthropometric variables studied. The regression analysis results identified body height, body mass, and thigh and calf girth as the features most associated with knee joint torque. However, anthropometric measurements do not provide full information about the torque proportions of antagonist muscle groups, which is very important for injury prevention. Therefore, measurements using special biomechanical equipment are also necessary for the comprehensive analyses and control of the effects of sports training.

Highlights

Measurements of muscle torque taken in isometric and isokinetic conditions have often been used for sports training [1,2,3,4,5]
To create relatively homogeneous groups in terms of the values of muscle torque generated in the knee extensors and flexors, the k-mean cluster analysis was used to identify two subgroups significantly differing in the magnitude of these variables: Group 1—weaker group and Group 2—stronger group
The soccer players from Group 2 showed significantly higher values in the remaining strength tests, these variables were not included in the grouping variables

Summary

Introduction

Measurements of muscle torque taken in isometric and isokinetic conditions have often been used for sports training [1,2,3,4,5]. Coaches use biomechanical measurement tools to analyse the sports skill level of athletes, improve movement techniques, or adjust tactics against the opponent [6,7]. Biomechanical analysis provides a fast and reliable evaluation of torque values, helps detect muscle strength imbalance, and screens for lower extremity injury [8,9]. Numerous studies have focused on the evaluation of the value of muscle torque in relation to lower limbs, which are involved during sports movements. The dependence of force on the transverse cross-sectional area of muscles is known, but it should be noted that force is affected by other factors related to the efficiency of the nervous system (that controls muscle function) and the properties of the muscles themselves [15]

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