Isokinetic Investigation of Knee Extensors and Knee Flexors in Young French Soccer Players

Abstract

The knee extensor and knee flexor muscle groups in three groups of young soccer players were tested with a Cybex II isokinetic dynamometer and compared with adults. Muscle strength increased with age. The largest gain was observed in young players aged 16-17 years whose quadriceps was the most modified muslce group giving the lowest H/Q ratio.

Analysis of the regression equations obtained for torque values at 30°s^-1 and 180°s^-1 revealed that there were two distinct groups : under 16 and over 16. After reaching 16 years of age, the increase in muslce strength is greater at low velocity than at high velocity.

Key words

knee flexor - knee extensor - isokinetic torque levels - soccer - youth