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Int J Sports Med 1984; 05(4): 213-216
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1025908
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Muscle Strength and Flexibility in Different Positions of Soccer Players

B. Öberg, J. Ekstrand, M. Möller, J. Gillquist
  • Sports Trauma Research Group, Departments of Physical Therapy and Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital, S-581 85 Linköping, Sweden
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Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

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Abstract

One-hundred eighty soccer players were tested for muscle strength in knee extension and knee flexion and for flexibility in the lower extremity. The strength measurements were done with a Cybex II isokinetic device (Lumex, Bay Shore, New York). The range of motion (ROM) was measured according to a method described by Ekstrand et al. (1982). The players were divided into groups according to their player position: goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards.

The results showed a significantly higher knee extensor torque in goalkeepers and defenders than in forwards (P < 0.05). The knee flexion/knee extension ratio (H/Q ratio) was significantly higher for forwards compared to goalkeepers (P < 0.001) and defenders (P < 0.01). The goalkeepers were significantly more flexible than the other players in hip flexion (P < 0.001), knee flexion (P < 0.01), and ankle dorsiflexion (P < 0.001).

Key words

sports - soccer - physical education - muscles

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