Sport-Related Effect on Knee Strength Profile during Puberty: Basketball vs. Soccer

The present study examined and compared the isokinetic peak torque and the reciprocal ratios of the knee joint between young basketball and soccer players. An amount of 100 soccer and 100 basketball players took part in this study and were separated into five equal groups (n = 20), according to their chronological age (12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 years old). The absolute concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) peak torque of the knee flexor and extensor muscles (at 60°/s, 180°/s) were assessed using a Cybex Norm dynamometer, and the relative peak torque (per unit of body mass), as well as the conventional (CON/CON; ECC/ECC) and functional (CON/ECC; ECC/CON) ratios, were calculated. Data analysis indicated that the basketball players had higher absolute peak torque values than the soccer players throughout their developmental ages (p < 0.05). When the isokinetic peak torque values were normalized relative to body mass, no differences were observed between basketball and soccer players in any age group (p > 0.05). Additionally, no differences were observed in conventional and functional ratios between soccer and basketball players (p > 0.05). In conclusion, it appears that, during developmental ages (12-16 years old), the isokinetic strength profile (independent of body mass affecting absolute values) of knee extensor and flexor muscles develops similarly in basketball and soccer players.