Isokinetic Profiles and Reference Values of Professional Soccer Players

Abstract

Introduction: Isokinetics is a tool commonly used in professional soccer. There is ongoing debate among researchers as to the isokinetic reference values a player should have. Objectives: To determine the absolute peak torque (PT) and average work of professional soccer players in relation to their positions on the field, and to establish the reference values for these variables. Methods: Purposeful sampling was used to select 289 professional soccer players. The sample included 32 goalkeepers, 100 defenders, 98 midfielders, and 59 strikers. The participants were measured preseason. The players were asked to perform a 10-minute warm-up on an exercise bike, and then to perform 5 repetitions at low speed, 10 at medium speed, and 25 at high speed, with 30 to 40-s of rest between each set of repetitions. The contraction method was concentric-concentric in a dynamometer Isomed 2000. Results: The average age, weight, and height of the players was 21.9 years, 74.3 kilograms, and 1.8 meters, respectively. The goalkeepers presented higher PT at the 3 measured speeds, and the higher average work at 180°/s and 240°/s in relation to defenders and midfielders. The strikers presented higher average work at 240°/s in relation to midfielders, and higher PT in relation to the defenders and midfielders. Absolute values were shown and reference values were established. Conclusions: The goalkeepers and strikers were the players that showed the greatest differences in their favor in relation to the other positions. The peak torque values and average work were described in relation to the player's position on the field. This study resulted in the creation of a tool for health professionals working with professional soccer players, providing reference values for these players in relation to their position on the field that can be used as benchmarks, by health professionals, to optimize soccer players’ performance. Level of evidence II, Prospective comparative study.

Effect of concurrent training in unilateral transtibial amputees using Paralympic athletes as a control group

“…Blood pressure was measured in the sitting position with oscillometric devices according to the 2018 European Society of Cardiology/European Society of Hypertension guidelines. 12 Arterial hypertension was defined as systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg 13 or the use of antihypertensive drugs was present. BMI was calculated by dividing body weight in kilograms by the square of body height in meters.…”

“…The isokinetic variables used were maximum Peak Torque Corrected for Body Weight (PTQ/BW) and Total Work (TW). 13 …”