Lower extremity preference and knee extensor torques in intercollegiate soccer players

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Lower extremity strength asymmetry is common in athletes.
• Understanding knee extensor strength balance is crucial for performance and injury prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if lower extremity preference affects the relationship between dominant and nondominant knee extensors in intercollegiate soccer players.
• To compare knee extensor strength asymmetry in soccer players versus recreational athletes.

Main Methods:

• Participants performed isometric and concentric-eccentric knee extensor contractions at various velocities.
• Torque production and torque-velocity relationships were analyzed for dominant and nondominant legs.
• Nondominant/dominant torque ratios were calculated for both groups.

Main Results:

• Soccer players exhibited greater peak and average torques than recreational athletes.
• Both groups showed similar torque-velocity patterns and concentric/eccentric ratios.
• Soccer players had significantly lower nondominant/dominant peak torque ratios than recreational athletes.

Conclusions:

• Intercollegiate soccer players demonstrate a smaller knee extensor strength asymmetry compared to recreational athletes.
• The observed 7% asymmetry in soccer players requires further investigation for its significance in performance and injury.
• Lower extremity preference does not appear to significantly alter knee extensor strength relationships in this cohort.