Isokinetic strength training program for muscular imbalances in professional soccer players

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a muscular training program on soccer players’ performance of which initially appeared imbalances or deficits. The study was conducte on 68 professional soccer players (age, 24.1±5.7 years; weight, 76.8±5.7 kg; height, 1.82±7 cm) participating in the championship of the first Greek national division over 2 years. During the preparation period, all the players performed an isokinetic test of knee flexors and extensors (60° s −1 and 180° s −1 ). These initial measurements detected muscular imbalances or deficits in 27 players (40%). The 27 players followed a specific isokinetic training program for 2 months, 3 times per week. After completion of the isokinetic training program, the 68 players repeated the isokinetic test. The analysis revealed significant differences between the pre-and post-training measures at both angular velocities in peak torque values, in differences from one limb to the other, and in peak torque ratios for flexors and extensors. Consequently, the application of this specific isokinetic training program can restore imbalances in knee muscle strength efficiently.