Effects of eccentric-emphasized leg curl intervention on muscle strength imbalance markers in professional soccer players during pre-season
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Volume
35
First Page
28
Last Page
32
Publisher
Elsevier
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
RAS ID
60201
Funders
National Health and Medical Research Council
Abstract
Background: The effects of strength training on muscle strength imbalance are unclear in professional soccer players. As a result, this study examined the effects of an 8-week strength training program comprising eccentric-emphasized prone leg curl adjusted according to the individual strength imbalance status. Methods: Ten professional soccer players (26.0 ± 3.6 yrs) participated in the study. Players who had a ≥ 10% contralateral imbalance in knee flexors eccentric peak torque (n = 6) performed two additional repetitions per set in the low-strength limb (high-volume, HV) compared to the high-strength limb (low-volume, LV). Isokinetic concentric knee extension and concentric and eccentric knee flexion peak torque (PT) and derived contralateral imbalances and conventional and functional hamstring-to-quadriceps ratios (H:Q) were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks. Differences at baseline were assessed using paired-sample T-tests, and a two-way (limb x time) repeated measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) for changes over time. Results: A significant improvement in the eccentric knee flexion PT was observed in both limbs after 8 weeks (P < 0.05), with greater effects observed in the HV limb (25.0 N m, 95% CI: 15.1–34.9 N m). Significant decreases were also observed in the contralateral imbalances from concentric knee extension and flexion and eccentric knee flexion PT (P < 0.05). Differences were not observed in concentric knee extension and flexion PT (P > 0.05). Conclusions: A short-term eccentric-emphasized leg curl intervention adjusted by the initial knee flexors eccentric strength was an efficient method to improve knee flexors strength imbalance in professional soccer players.
DOI
10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.04.012
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Grazioli, R., Inácio, M., Lopez, P., Freitas, S. R., dos Santos Cunha, G., Machado, C. L., ... & Pinto, R. S. (2023). Effects of eccentric-emphasized leg curl intervention on muscle strength imbalance markers in professional soccer players during pre-season. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 35, 28-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.04.012