Lower limb strength and training experience in elite and sub-elite female footballers
Article type: Research Article
Authors: Fallon Verbruggen, Ferdia* | Hank, Mikuláš | Miřátský, Petr | Malý, Tomáš | Zahálka, František
Affiliations: Sport Research Centre, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Ferdia Fallon Verbruggen, Sport Research Centre, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, José Martího 269/31, 162 00 Praha 6, Czech Republic. Tel.: +420 773 724 951; E-mail: ferdiafv@gmail.com. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6145-8213.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Strength differences between performance levels remain unclear in female football. Furthermore, the relationship between fulltime training and strength has been unexplored despite increased professionalisation in the sport. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this research were to examine knee flexor/extensor and hip adductor/abductor strength differences between elite and sub-elite female footballers, and then determine the relationship of strength performance to age, years of football experience (FE), and years of fulltime training (FTT). METHODS: 15 elite and 15 sub-elite professional female footballers were tested. The main outcomes were concentric isokinetic knee flexor and extensor peak moment at 60, 180, and 300∘/s, and isometric hip adductor (ADD) and abductor (ABD) force. RESULTS: The elite team had higher absolute (300∘/s: 47.13–49.33 Nm vs 37.33–38.93 Nm, p< 0.05) and normalised (300∘/s: 0.76–0.80 Nm/kg vs 0.59–0.62 Nm/kg, p< 0.05) knee flexor values, and higher normalised ADD (5.64–5.66 N/kg vs 4.98–5.05 N/kg, p< 0.05) and ABD force (5.80–6.00 N/kg vs 5.26–5.39 N/kg, p< 0.05), compared to the sub-elite team. Age, FE, and FTT were correlated to knee flexor values (r= 0.381–0.559, p< 0.05). Additionally, FTT was correlated with normalised ADD and ABD force (r= 0.362–0.546, p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Sub-elite female footballers may require additional knee flexor and hip strengthening in order to make the step up to the elite level. Those who are younger or have low FTT may also be recommended additional lower limb strengthening ahead of joining a fulltime training environment.
Keywords: Female, soccer, muscle strength, athletes, hip, knee
DOI: 10.3233/IES-230038
Journal: Isokinetics and Exercise Science, vol. 32, no. 1, pp. 11-20, 2024
Lower limb strength and training experience in elite and sub-elite female footballers
What is it about?
What can be the difference in strength when female footballers step up to first team level? This research delved into the differences in isometric hip (groin/gluteal) strength and isokinetic knee (hamstrings/quadriceps) of professional female female footballers in A and B teams.
Why is it important?
Sub-elite female footballers may require additional knee flexor and hip strengthening in order to make the step up to the elite level. Those who are younger or have less experience playing fulltime football may also be recommended additional lower limb strengthening ahead of joining a fulltime training environment.