TY - JOUR
T1 - Changes in Knee Extension and Flexion Maximal and Rapid Torque Characteristics During a Collegiate Women's Soccer Season
AU - Akehi, Kazuma
AU - Palmer, Ty B.
AU - Conchola, Eric C.
AU - Thompson, Brennan J.
AU - Kasl, Alexa
AU - Bice, Matthew
AU - Unruh, Scott
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 NSCA National Strength and Conditioning Association. All rights reserved.
PY - 2022/5/1
Y1 - 2022/5/1
N2 - Akehi, K, Palmer, TB, Conchola, EC, Thompson, BJ, Kasl, A, Bice, M, and Unruh, S. Changes in knee extension and flexion maximal and rapid torque characteristics during a collegiate women's soccer season. J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1389-1395, 2022 - The purpose of this study was to assess the changes in maximal and rapid torque capacities of the knee extensor and flexor muscles over the course of a competitive season in NCAA Division II women's soccer players. Eighteen female soccer athletes performed 2 maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) of the knee extensor and flexor muscles before, during, and at the end of the competitive season. Peak torque (PT) and rate of torque development (RTD) at 50 (RTD50), 200 (RTD200), and 100-200 (RTD100-200) milliseconds were extracted from each MVIC for both legs. The rapid (RTD50) to maximal force ratio (RTD:PT), hamstring-to-quadriceps (H:Q) strength ratio, and bilateral strength differences were also calculated. Results indicated that PT, RTD50, and RTD200 decreased 11-21% from the preseason to the midseason for the knee extensors (p < 0.02) and RTD50 increased approximately 11% from the midseason to the end of season for the knee flexors (p < 0.01). Rate of torque development-to-PT ratios for the knee extensors and flexors increased 12-25% at the end of the season (p < 0.05). Also, H:Q strength ratios using PT, RTD50, and RTD200 increased 12.5-24% after the season started (p = 0.001-0.04). There were no bilateral strength differences (dominant vs. non-dominant limbs) across the season (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that participation in a soccer season can change maximal and rapid torque production of the knee extensors and flexors. Coaches and clinicians should consider incorporating a season-long strength training and maintenance plan for soccer players with the aim to improve athletic performance and minimize the risk of musculoskeletal injuries to the lower extremities.
AB - Akehi, K, Palmer, TB, Conchola, EC, Thompson, BJ, Kasl, A, Bice, M, and Unruh, S. Changes in knee extension and flexion maximal and rapid torque characteristics during a collegiate women's soccer season. J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1389-1395, 2022 - The purpose of this study was to assess the changes in maximal and rapid torque capacities of the knee extensor and flexor muscles over the course of a competitive season in NCAA Division II women's soccer players. Eighteen female soccer athletes performed 2 maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs) of the knee extensor and flexor muscles before, during, and at the end of the competitive season. Peak torque (PT) and rate of torque development (RTD) at 50 (RTD50), 200 (RTD200), and 100-200 (RTD100-200) milliseconds were extracted from each MVIC for both legs. The rapid (RTD50) to maximal force ratio (RTD:PT), hamstring-to-quadriceps (H:Q) strength ratio, and bilateral strength differences were also calculated. Results indicated that PT, RTD50, and RTD200 decreased 11-21% from the preseason to the midseason for the knee extensors (p < 0.02) and RTD50 increased approximately 11% from the midseason to the end of season for the knee flexors (p < 0.01). Rate of torque development-to-PT ratios for the knee extensors and flexors increased 12-25% at the end of the season (p < 0.05). Also, H:Q strength ratios using PT, RTD50, and RTD200 increased 12.5-24% after the season started (p = 0.001-0.04). There were no bilateral strength differences (dominant vs. non-dominant limbs) across the season (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that participation in a soccer season can change maximal and rapid torque production of the knee extensors and flexors. Coaches and clinicians should consider incorporating a season-long strength training and maintenance plan for soccer players with the aim to improve athletic performance and minimize the risk of musculoskeletal injuries to the lower extremities.
KW - athletic performance
KW - hamstrings
KW - quadriceps
KW - rate of force development
KW - sports conditioning
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U2 - 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003607
DO - 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003607
M3 - Article
C2 - 32379237
AN - SCOPUS:85130129308
SN - 1064-8011
VL - 36
SP - 1389
EP - 1395
JO - Journal of strength and conditioning research
JF - Journal of strength and conditioning research
IS - 5
ER -