Affiliations: [a] Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and
Intervention in Sport, Faculty of Sport of the University of Porto,
Portugal | [b] Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences, Section of
Human Physiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Note: [] Address for correspondence: João Brito, Faculty of Sport
of the University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido Costa 91, 4200 – 450
Porto, Portugal. Tel.: +351 225 074 700; Fax: +351 225 500 689; E-mail:
[email protected]
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether FIFA's Medical
Assessment and Research Centre (F-MARC) injury prevention programme, "The 11+",
improves isokinetic strength of the knee extensor and flexor muscles in
sub-elite soccer players. Twenty players aged 22.3 ± 4.2 yr performed
"The 11+" 3 times a week for 10 weeks. Isokinetic measurements were performed
on the hamstrings and quadriceps muscles on both lower extremities at
concentric 60 and 180°/s and eccentric 30°/s. The peak torque (PT) as
well as conventional and dynamic control ratios (DCR) were calculated.
Hamstrings PT in the non-dominant limb increased by 14.6%, 15.0% and 14.3%
during the above contractions/velocities, respectively (p< 0.05). In the
dominant limb the concentric PT of the quadriceps increased by 6.9% (60°/s)
and 8.3% (180°/s) whereas that of the hamstring increased by 20.4%
(60°/s), (p< 0.05). The training programme significantly improved the
conventional H/Q ratio at 60°/s by 14.8{\%} and the DCR by 13.8% in the
non-dominant limb (p< 0.05). Therefore, the "The 11+" training programme
appears to be adequate and effective for soccer training and conditioning by
improving strength and muscle balance around the knee joint.
