Physical capacity in female soccer players: does age make a difference?

Physical capacity in female soccer players : does age make a difference?

There is an increased risk of injuries, especially knee injuries, in young female soccer players. If age-related differences in physical capacity could be identified, the possibilities for injury prevention may increase. The objective was to study possible age-related differences in isokinetic muscle strength, aerobic capacity, functional performance, and general joint laxity in female soccer players. Body mass index (BMI) (kg × m-2) was also measured. In total 108 players, recruited from seven soccer teams, were tested. The mean age was 20.2 years (SD=4.1, range=14-30). Players aged ≦20 years and>20 years were compared. The following tests were employed: isokinetic knee extensor and flexor strength at velocities of 60 °/s and 180°/s, one-leg hop, triple jump, vertical jump, square-hop, and aerobic capacity. The older group had greater isokinetic strength for the flexor muscles at a peak torque of 60°/s (p=0.04), and total work at 60°/s and 180°/s (p=0.04 and 0.03). The older group had a higher BMI and more years of soccer playing (p≪0.001). The results revealed no significant differences between the age groups regarding, functional performance, aerobic capacity, or general joint laxity. Further studies are needed on intrinsic risk factors to identify variables explaining the difference in injury rate between younger and older players.

By the author/editor: Östenberg, Anna; Roos, Ewa M.; Ekdahl, Charlott ...; Roos, Harald P.

About the subject

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES: MEDICAL AND HEAL ...; and Health Sciences; and Sport and Fitnes ...

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