Influence of Core Strength Training on Peak Muscle Torque of Quadriceps and Hamstrings in Young Soccer Players

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of eight week core strength training (CST) on quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength and H/Q ratio. The study included a total of 20 young soccer players, 10 in the experimental group (EG) and 10 in the control group (CG). Isokinetic knee strength measurements at angular velocities of 60 degrees sec(-1), 180 degrees sec(-1) and 240 degrees sec(-1) were performed on the subjects. Independent sample t-test and 2x2 ANOVA test were used for statistical analysis. No significance was found between the pre-test results of both EG and CG (p>0.05). In post-test results, a difference was found in favour of EG group in RPM 60o EX value (p<0.05). When the pre-test and posttest results of the groups were compared separately, a significant difference was found in RPM 60 degrees EX, LPM 180 degrees EX and LPM 240 degrees EX parameters in EG (p<0.05). A significant progress was found in LPM 180 degrees EX, LPM 180 degrees FLX and LPM 240 degrees FLX values in CG (p<0.05). It was found that CST applied on young soccer players affected knee isokinetic strength in different velocity and this effect caused significance especially in different angular speeds of EX phase. In addition, although significant progress was not observed in all parameters in EG after CST, it was found that there weren't decreases in any parameters and at least strength was maintained.