Effect of power on agility, linear speed and change of direction deficit in female soccer players

Introduction: The aim of the study was to examine relationships between power of the lower limb and agility, speed, and change of direction (COD) deficit in professional female soccer players. Material and methods: Thirty-three elite Polish Extraliga league soccer players (aged 22 ±5 years; body height 166 ± 4 cm; body weight 58 ± 8 kg) performed the following fitness tests: lower limb muscle power (Leg Press, Half Squat, Counter Movement Jump), straight linear speed (SLS 20 m), and COD speed ( Zig-Zag test, COD deficit). Using the median value as a reference, the players were subdivided into two groups (n=17; n=16) according to their LP, HS 60% 1RM, CMJ (High values below median = stronger group and Low = weaker group ). Results: The COD deficit was calculated as the difference between the 20m speed and the Zig-Zag test. The stronger group was better than the weaker group in SLS 20m (p<0.05; ES=1.23; 0.83; 0.93), but in the Zig-Zag agility test, the difference in the results was not statistically significant (p>0.05; ES=0.48; 0.34; 0.34) and this affected the COD deficit, which was higher (p<0.05; ES=0.9; 0.73; 0.72). The most important finding was that the stronger group had a higher COD deficit and its improvement (reduction) occurs only if the results of the agility test are improved (through agility training) [Ydeficit All groups=0.10+0.87*20m - 0.83* Zig-Zag]. Increasing power (HS, LP) lead to the improvement in SLS p<0.05, not to COD abilities. Conclusion: This can be useful for coaches during agility training and to improve COD deficit in soccer players and women in general.

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Physical Performance and Anthropometric Characteristics of Male South African University Soccer Players

Journal of Human Kinetics ◽

10.1515/hukin-2017-0098 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 60 (1) ◽

pp. 153-158 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Alliance Kubayi ◽

Yvonne Paul ◽

Prescott Mahlangu ◽

Abel Toriola

Keyword(s):

South African ◽

Body Fat ◽

Body Height ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Successful Performance ◽

Physiological Profile ◽

Percentage Of Body Fat ◽

Body Fat Content ◽

Anthropometric Characteristics ◽

Better Than

Abstract Soccer is the most popular sport worldwide. Despite its global acclaim, scientific studies of soccer have tended to focus on tactics and techniques, thereby neglecting the physical and physiological profile of the players. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine physical and anthropometric characteristics of male South African university soccer players. Twenty-seven male soccer players aged 19 to 24 (mean age: 22.1 years; s = 1.5 years) volunteered to participate in the study. The results showed that goalkeepers (77.5 ± 9.7 kg) and defenders (68.2 ± 6.5 kg) were the heaviest compared to players in other playing positions. The goalkeepers also had the highest percentage of body fat (11.3 ± 2.3%), in contrast to midfielders who had the lowest body fat content (9.1 ± 0.9%). With regard to flexibility, defenders (45.1 ± 4.9 cm) and midfielders (45.9 ± 5.4 cm) performed better than goalkeepers (37.1 ± 4.3 cm) and strikers (40.1 ± 3.4 cm). Midfielders (57.2 ± 3.1 ml1·kg−1·min1) and defenders (56.1 ± 5.1 ml1·kg−1·min1) had significantly higher values of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) than goalkeepers (47.9 ± 0.2 ml−1·kg−1·min−1) and strikers (49.8 ± 6.2 ml−1·kg−1·min−1). No significant (p > 0.05) differences were observed for all other variables, with the exception of body height, body mass, and VO2max. It was therefore concluded that sports scientists and coaches should tailor conditioning programmes in soccer according to players’ positions in view of the implications for successful performance.

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Physical fitness of rhythmic gymnasts depending on age and level of sports achievements

Journal of Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences ◽

10.5604/01.3001.0014.8128 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (91) ◽

pp. 29-36

Author(s):

Katarzyna Sterkowicz-Przybycień ◽

Paula Fundament

Keyword(s):

Physical Fitness ◽

Body Height ◽

Age Groups ◽

Standing Position ◽

Time Duration ◽

Balance Test ◽

Eyes Closed ◽

Fitness Tests ◽

Rhythmic Gymnasts ◽

Better Than

Aim. The aim of this study was to compare the indices of physical development, frequency and time duration of training, and the results of physical fitness tests depending on age and level of sports achievements among rhythmic gymnasts. Materials and methods. The study comprised 36 rhythmic gymnasts: Gr1 (n=13, 9.0±1.0 years), Gr2 (n=11, 11.36±0.5 years), Gr3 (n=12, 14.27±0.7 years). After standardised sports interview, the groups with lower level of sports achievements (LSL) (n=20) and higher level of sports achievements (HSL) (n=16) were defined. Measurements of body height and mass were performed. The study participants performed the broad jump test, Unipedal Stance Test with Eyes Open (UPST-EO) and Eyes Closed (EC), and the rhythmic gymnastics specific coordinative test with a hoop. Results. The number of training sessions per week and their duration did not depend on age. The results of the broad jump were significantly different for groups Gr1, Gr2 and Gr3 (F=27.02, p<0.01). The average results for the 3 trials of UPST-EO in Gr2 and Gr3 were better than in Gr1 (F=5.51, p=0.008). The average result of UPST-EC for Gr3 was also significantly better than for Gr1 (W=9.53, p=0.008). The hoop test showed differences for all age groups Gr1<Gr3<Gr2 (F=11.55, p<0.001). HSL athletes were significantly different from LSL in frequency and duration of training, average results from 3 trials of UPST-EO, UPSTEC and the best result of UPST-EC (p<0.05). Conclusions. Differences between groups in physical fitness tests results depended on gymnasts’ age and showed their usefulness in the control of training at a particular stage of sports development. HSL gymnasts predominated over LSL in results of the one-leg standing position postural balance test with eyes opened and closed. The detected differences can be useful for coaches in identifying and developing gymnastic talent.

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Dynamic Warm-Up With a Weighted Vest: Improvement of Repeated Change-of-Direction Performance in Young Male Soccer Players

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2018-0800 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

pp. 196-203

Author(s):

Olfa Turki ◽

Wissem Dhahbi ◽

Sabri Gueid ◽

Sami Hmaied ◽

Marouen Souaifi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Mass ◽

Body Height ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Peak Time ◽

Fatigue Index ◽

Warm Up ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Recovery Times ◽

Weighted Vest ◽

Weighted Vests

Purpose: To explore the effect of 4 different warm-up strategies using weighted vests and to determine the specific optimal recovery duration required to optimize the repeated change-of-direction (RCOD) performance in young soccer players. Methods: A total of 19 male soccer players (age 18 [0.88] y, body mass 69.85 [7.68] kg, body height 1.75 [0.07] m, body mass index 22.87 [2.23] kg·m−2, and body fat percentage 12.53% [2.59%]) completed the following loaded warm-up protocols in a randomized, counterbalanced cross-over, within-participants order and on separate days: weighted vest with a loading of 5% (WUV5%), 10% (WUV10%), 15% (WUV15%) body mass, and an unloaded condition (control). RCOD performance (total time, peak time, and fatigue index) was collected during the preintervention phase (5 min after the dynamic stretching sequence) for baseline values and immediately (at 15 min), at 4- and 8-minute postwarm-up intervention. Results: For each postwarm-up tested, recovery times (ie, 15 s, 4 min, and 8 min), of both total and peak times were faster following WUV5%, WUV10%, and WUV15%, compared with the unloaded condition (P ≤.001–.031, d = 1.28–2.31 [large]). There were no significant differences (P = .09–1.00, d = 0.03–0.72 [trivial–moderate]) in-between recovery times in both total and peak times following WUV5%, WUV10%, and WUV15%. However, baseline fatigue index score was significantly worse than all other scores (P ≤.001–.002, d = 1.35–2.46 [large]) following the loaded conditions. Conclusions: The findings demonstrated that a dynamic loaded warm-up increases an athlete’s initial RCOD performance up to the 8-minute postwarm-up intervention. Therefore, strength coaches need to consider using weighted vests during the warm-up for trained athletes in order to acutely optimize RCODs.

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Perbedaan Pengaruh Latihan Knee Tuck Jump Dengan Latihan Double Leg Bound Terhadap Peningkatan Power Otot Tungkai Dan Kemampuan Smash Pada Ekstrakurikuler Bola Voli Putra SMKN 1 Kota Jambi

Jorpres (Jurnal Olahraga Prestasi) ◽

10.21831/jorpres.v14i1.19977 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 1-23

Author(s):

Boy Indrayana

Keyword(s):

Data Analysis ◽

Muscle Power ◽

T Test ◽

Male Students ◽

Training Effect ◽

Statistical Calculation ◽

Jump Training ◽

The Third ◽

The Difference ◽

Better Than

Kemampuan fisik dan teknik dalam permainan bola voli sangat perlu, salah satunya adalah power otot tungkai dan kemampuan smash. Smash adalah teknik yang paling sering digunakan dalam permainan bola voli, untuk melakukan smash yang baik dibutuhkan power otot tungkai yang terlatih.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui tentang Perbedaan Pengaruh Latihan Knee Tuck Jump Dengan Latihan Double Leg Bound Terhadap Peningkatan Power Otot Tungkai dan Kemampuan Smash Pada Ekstrakurikuler Bola Voli Putra SMK N 1 Kota Jambi. Analisis data yang digunakan adalah dengan perhitungan statistik yaitu dengan uji hipotesis atau uji-t. Berdasarkan pengujian hipotesa pertama = 3.56, = 2.78 dengan demikian . Hal ini berarti Ho ditolak dan Ha diterima. Dapat disimpul-kan bahwa terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan dari latihan knee tuck jump terhadap pening-katan power otot tungkai pada ekstrakurikuler bola voli putra SMK N 1 Kota Jambi. Berdasarkan pengujian hipotesis kedua = 10.58, = 2.78 dengan demikian . Hal ini berarti Ho ditolak dan Ha diterima. Dengan demikian maka dapat di-simpulkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan dari latihan double leg bound terhadap peningkatan power otot tungkai pada ekstrakurikuler bola voli putra SMK N 1 Kota Jambi. Berdasarkan pengujian hipotesis ketiga = -0.50, = 2.31 dengan demikian . Hal ini berarti Ho diterima dan Ha ditolak. Dengan demikian dapat disimpulkan bahwa latihan knee tuck jump tidak lebih besar pengaruhnya dibandingkan latihan double leg bound terhadap peningkatan power otot tungkai pada ekstrakurikuler bola voli putra SMK N 1 Kota Jambi. Berdasarkan pengujian hipotesis keempat = -0.19, = 2.78 dengan demikian . Hal ini berarti Ho diterima dan Ha ditolak. Dengan demikian dapat disimpulkan bahwa tidak terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan dari latihan knee tuck jump terhadap peningkatan kemampuan smash pada ekstrakurikuler bola voli putra SMK N 1 Kota Jambi. Berdasarkan pengujian hipotesis kelima = 0.14, = 2.78 dengan demikian . Hal ini berarti Ho diterima dan Ha ditolak. Dengan demikian dapat disimpulkan bahwa tidak terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan dari latihan double leg boun terhadap peningkatan kemampuan smash pada ekstrakurikuler bola voli putra SMK N 1 Kota Jambi. Berdasarkan pengujian hipotesis keenam = 0.38, = 2.31 dengan demiki-an . Hal ini berarti Ho diterima dan Ha ditolak. Dengan demikian dapat disimpulkan bahwa latihan knee tuck jump tidak lebih besar pengaruhnya dibandingkan latihan double leg bound terhadap peningkatan kemampuan smash dalam permainan bola voli pada ekstrakurikuler bola voli putra SMK N 1 Kota Jambi.ABSTRACT The ability both physical and technical in volleyball game is really important to be mastered, and one of the aspects is limbs muscle and spike skill. Spike is one of the technique which is frequently used in a volleyball game, and a well-trained limbs muscle is vitally needed in order to do spike properly. This research aims for knowing the difference of Knee Tuck Jump Training and Double Leg Bound Training Effect towards the escalation of limbs muscle’s power and Spike’s skill in extracurricular volleyball program for male in SMK N 1 Jambi. Data analysis which is used is statistical calculation with hypothetical test or “t-test”. Based on the first test, 3.56 = 2,78, it means that > . It also means that is rejected and is accepted. Furthermore, it can be concluded that there is a significant effect attained from knee tuck jump training towards the escalation of limbs muscle power in extracurricular volleyball program for male students in SMK N 1 Jambi. Based on the second test, 10.58 = 2,78, it means that > . It also means that is rejected and is accepted. Furthermore, it can be concluded that there is a significant effect attained from double leg bound training towards the escalation of limbs muscle power in extracurricular volleyball program for male students in SMK N 1 Jambi. Based on the third test, -0.50 = 2,31, it means that < . It also means that is accepted and is rejected. It also means that the knee tuck jump training contributes better than double leg bound training towards the escalation of limbs muscle power in extracurricular volleyball program for male students in SMK N 1 Jambi. Based on the fourth test, -0.19 = 2,78, it means that < . It also means that is accepted and is rejected. It can be concluded that there is no significant effect from knee tuck jump training towards the escalation of limbs muscle power in extracurricular volleyball program for male students in SMK N 1 Jambi. Based on the fifth test, 0.14 = 2,78, it means that < . It also means that is accepted and is rejected. It can be concluded that there is no significant effect from double leg bound training towards the escalation of limbs muscle power in extracurricular volleyball program for male students in SMK N 1 Jambi. Based on the sixth test, 0.38 = 2,31, it means that < . It also means that is accepted and is rejected. It can be concluded that knee tuck jump training does not have bigger effect than double leg bound training towards the escalation of limbs muscle power in extracurricular volleyball program for male students in SMK N 1 Jambi.

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Physical Fitness Profiling of National Category Table Tennis Players: Implication for Health and Performance

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18179362 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (17) ◽

pp. 9362

Author(s):

Jon Mikel Picabea ◽

Jesús Cámara ◽

Javier Yanci

Keyword(s):

Vertical Jump ◽

Age Groups ◽

Isometric Strength ◽

Table Tennis ◽

Arm Swing ◽

Tennis Players ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Counter Movement Jump ◽

And Performance ◽

Better Than

The aims of this study were to: (1) analyze table tennis players’ physical profiles considering and comparing players age categories (i.e., under U12, U14, U16, U20, Senior and Older); and (2) to quantify the correlations among the variables measured by each test. Seventy-one table tennis players (61 men and 10 women, 19.7 ± 11.23 years, 1.65 ± 0.13 m, 59.71 ± 17.72 kg and 21.60 ± 4.22 kg/m2) divided into six age groups, performed a sprint test, forearm isometric strength test, countermovement vertical test, countermovement horizontal test, change of direction ability (CODA) test and flexibility test. U14 players performed better than U12 in all tests (ES = −0.70 to 1.98, moderate to large) except in Sit and Reach (SAR) test (ES = 0.19, trivial). The U16 group also obtained better results than U14 in all tests (ES = 0.77 to −2.31, moderate to large) except for the SAR test (ES = 0.19, trivial). The U20 group performed better than U16 in all the tests (ES = 0.73 to −1.53, moderate to large) except for the 5 m sprint test (ES = −0.02, trivial), 10 m sprint test (ES = −0.51, moderate) and SAR (ES = 0.11, trivial). Differences between Senior and U20 were only found in the arm swing counter movement jump (CMJAS) (ES = −0.82, large) and modified agility test (MAT) (ES = 1.19, large), with the U20 group being better in both variables. The senior group performed better in the MAT test than the older group (ES = 0.94, large). The relation found between forearm isometric strength, vertical jump, horizontal jump, sprint and CODA ability (r = −0.53; ±0.14, 0/0/100, most likely to r = 0.83; ±0.06, 100/0/0, most likely) indicates that these capacities are related in table tennis players. Nevertheless, the lack of association between the sit and reach test with the other capacities may indicate that flexibility is an independent capacity.

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Strength, Jumping and Change of Direction Speed Asymmetries in Soccer, Basketball and Tennis Players

Symmetry ◽

10.3390/sym12101664 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (10) ◽

pp. 1664

Author(s):

Nejc Šarabon ◽

Darjan Smajla ◽

Nicola A. Maffiuletti ◽

Chris Bishop

Keyword(s):

Soccer Players ◽

Knee Extensors ◽

Tennis Players ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Force Development ◽

Counter Movement Jump ◽

Different Types ◽

Different Populations ◽

And Training ◽

Knee Flexors

Despite growing research in the field of inter-limb asymmetries (ILAs), little is known about the variation of ILAs in different populations of athletes. The purpose of this study was to compare ILAs among young basketball, soccer and tennis players. ILAs were assessed in three different types of tests (strength, jumping and change of direction (CoD) speed), each including different tasks: (1) bilateral and unilateral counter movement jump, (2) isometric strength of knee extensors (KE) and knee flexors (KF), and (3) 90° and 180° CoD. Generally, the absolute metrics showed strong reliability and revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) among the three groups in KE maximal torque, KE and KF rate of force development and in both CoD tests. For jumping ILAs, power and force impulse metrics exhibited significant between-limb differences between groups, compared to jump height. For strength and CoD speed ILAs, only KF maximal torque and 180° CoD exhibited significant differences between groups. Greater KF strength ILAs in soccer players and counter-movement jump ILAs in tennis players are most probably the result of sport-specific movement patterns and training routines. Sport practitioners should be aware of the differences in ILAs among sports and address training programs accordingly.

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The Increased Effectiveness of Loaded Versus Unloaded Plyometric Jump Training in Improving Muscle Power, Speed, Change of Direction, and Kicking-Distance Performance in Prepubertal Male Soccer Players

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2018-0866 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

pp. 189-195 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Yassine Negra ◽

Helmi Chaabene ◽

Senda Sammoud ◽

Olaf Prieske ◽

Jason Moran ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Muscle Power ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Sprint Time ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Jump Training ◽

Jump Test ◽

Standing Long Jump ◽

Long Jump ◽

Time Test ◽

Speed Change

Purpose: To examine the effects of loaded (LPJT) versus unloaded plyometric jump training (UPJT) programs on measures of muscle power, speed, change of direction (CoD), and kicking-distance performance in prepubertal male soccer players. Methods: Participants (N = 29) were randomly assigned to a LPJT group (n = 13; age = 13.0 [0.7] y) using weighted vests or UPJT group (n = 16; age = 13.0 [0.5] y) using body mass only. Before and after the intervention, tests for the assessment of proxies of muscle power (ie, countermovement jump, standing long jump); speed (ie, 5-, 10-, and 20-m sprint); CoD (ie, Illinois CoD test, modified 505 agility test); and kicking-distance were conducted. Data were analyzed using magnitude-based inferences. Results: Within-group analyses for the LPJT group showed large and very large improvements for 10-m sprint time (effect size [ES] = 2.00) and modified 505 CoD (ES = 2.83) tests, respectively. For the same group, moderate improvements were observed for the Illinois CoD test (ES = 0.61), 5- and 20-m sprint time test (ES = 1.00 for both the tests), countermovement jump test (ES = 1.00), and the maximal kicking-distance test (ES = 0.90). Small enhancements in the standing long jump test (ES = 0.50) were apparent. Regarding the UPJT group, small improvements were observed for all tests (ES = 0.33–0.57), except 5- and 10-m sprint time (ES = 1.00 and 0.63, respectively). Between-group analyses favored the LPJT group for the modified 505 CoD (ES = 0.61), standing long jump (ES = 0.50), and maximal kicking-distance tests (ES = 0.57), but not for the 5-m sprint time test (ES = 1.00). Only trivial between-group differences were shown for the remaining tests (ES = 0.00–0.09). Conclusion: Overall, LPJT appears to be more effective than UPJT in improving measures of muscle power, speed, CoD, and kicking-distance performance in prepubertal male soccer players.

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Straight-Line and Change-of-Direction Intermittent Running in Professional Soccer Players

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance ◽

10.1123/ijspp.2016-0318 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 562-567 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Mohamed S. Fessi ◽

Fayçal Farhat ◽

Alexandre Dellal ◽

James J. Malone ◽

Wassim Moalla

Keyword(s):

Heart Rate ◽

Test Performance ◽

T Test ◽

Rating Of Perceived Exertion ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Peak Heart Rate ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Professional Soccer ◽

Straight Line ◽

The Difference

Purpose: To investigate the difference between straight-line (STL) and change-of-direction (COD) intermittent-running exercises in soccer players. Methods: Seventeen male professional soccer players performed the agility T test and 6 intermittent-running exercises: 10 s at 130% of maximal aerobic speed (MAS) alternated with 10 s of rest (10-10), 15 s at 120% of MAS alternated with 15 s of rest (15-15), and 30 s at 110% of MAS alternated with 30 s of rest (30-30) both in STL and with COD. All exercises were monitored using a global positioning system. Heart rate was measured during exercises, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was collected postexercise. The difference (Δ) between covered distance in STL and COD exercises at a similar load was calculated, and relationships between T test and Δ distance were analyzed. Results: COD intermittent exercises showed a significantly decreased distance covered and an increase in the number of accelerations, peak heart rate, and RPE compared with STL intermittent exercises at a similar load. High relationships were observed between T-test performance and Δ distance in 10-10 (r = .72, P < .01) and 15-15 (r = .77, P < .01), whereas no significant relationships were observed between T-test performance and Δ distance in 30-30 (r = −.37, P = .2). Conclusion: Intermittent COD exercises were associated with higher acceleration, peak heart rate, and RPE than STL during 10-10 and 15-15 exercises. The ability to rapidly change direction is crucial to perform intense sport-specific running in professional soccer players.

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Effects of combined plyometric and speed training on change of direction, linear speed, and repeated sprint ability in young soccer players

Kinesiology ◽

10.26582/k.52.1.11 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 52 (1) ◽

pp. 85-93

Author(s):

Mehdi Kargarfard ◽

Shadi Tajvand ◽

Alireza Rabbani ◽

Filipe Manuel Clemente ◽

Farzad Jalilvand

Keyword(s):

Soccer Players ◽

Control Group ◽

Linear Speed ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Repeated Sprint Ability ◽

Repeated Sprint ◽

Group I ◽

Soccer Training ◽

Speed Training ◽

Sprint Ability

It has been well established that plyometric and speed training have positive impacts on fitness parameters in soccer players. The aim of this study was to compare short-term effects of a combined plyometric and speed training implemented on the same or separate days of a week on change of direction (COD), linear speed (LS), and repeated sprint ability (RSA) in young soccer players. Twenty-four male players from the same U19 soccer team were distributed into one control group (CG; n=7, soccer training only) and two experimental groups performing plyometric and speed exercises on the same (CDG; n=8) or separate days (CWG; n=9) during a 6-week preparation period. Very likely moderate within-group COD improvements were observed in the CDG (ES -0.94 [-1.47 to -0.41]) and CWG (ES -0.97 [-1.52 to -0.42]) groups. Possibly small within-group RSA improvements were also observed in the CWG (ES -0.24[-0.64 to 0.16]) and CDG (ES -0.31 [-0.79 to 0.17]) groups. CWG and CDG groups showed possibly small (ES -0.28 [-0.62 to 0.06]) and very likely moderate (ES -0.80 [-1.28 to -0.32]) within-group LS improvements following the intervention, respectively. In between group analysis, a likely moderate (ES 0.71 [0.03 to 1.39]) greater LS improvement was observed in the CDG group than in the CWG group. I t is suggested to supplement normal soccer training with combined plyometric and speed exercises to improve COD, LS, and RSA performance and to implement these exercises in the same session to improve LS with a greater effect.

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Assessing Inter-Limb Asymmetries in Soccer Players: Magnitude, Direction and Association with Performance

Journal of Human Kinetics ◽

10.2478/hukin-2021-0081 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 79 (1) ◽

pp. 41-53

Author(s):

Marc Madruga-Parera ◽

Thomas Dos’Santos ◽

Chris Bishop ◽

Anthony Turner ◽

David Blanco ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Height ◽

Ankle Dorsiflexion ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Kinetic Chain ◽

Leg Extension ◽

Change Of Direction ◽

Test Specificity ◽

Limb Asymmetry ◽

The Relationship ◽

Skill Change

Abstract In this study, we aimed to analyze the magnitude and direction of inter-limb asymmetries in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), power (using iso-inertial devices), and a neuromuscular skill (change of direction). Secondarily, we aimed to determine the relationship between inter-limb asymmetry scores for each test and also between these scores and the scores for the different performance tests. Sixteen semiprofessional male soccer players (age: 25.38 ± 6.08 years; body height: 1.78 ± 0.64 m; body mass: 79.5 ± 14.9 kg) participated in this study. We calculated inter-limb asymmetries using five tests: ankle dorsiflexion ROM, change of direction (COD 180º), and iso-inertial resistance tasks in the open (leg extension strength (LE), leg curl strength (LC)) and closed (crossover step (CRO)) kinetic chain. Our results showed that asymmetry magnitudes differed between all tests with highest inter-limb asymmetries displayed during iso-inertial overloading. In addition, we observed that the direction of asymmetries varied depending on the test-specificity, and that the CRO asymmetries had a negative association with LE and CRO performance. These findings highlight the independent nature of asymmetries and that CRO could be an appropriate test to detect asymmetries related with the performance of soccer-specific actions (such as changes of direction). Practitioners are encouraged to use multiple tests to detect existing inter-limb differences according to the specific characteristics of each sport.

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