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The influence of athletic status on maximal and rapid isometric torque characteristics and postural balance performance in D ivision I female soccer athletes and non‐athlete controls
Author(s) -
Palmer Ty B.,
Hawkey Matt J.,
Thiele Ryan M.,
Conchola Eric C.,
Adams Bailey M.,
Akehi Kazuma,
Smith Doug B.,
Thompson Brennan J.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
clinical physiology and functional imaging
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.608
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1475-097X
pISSN - 1475-0961
DOI - 10.1111/cpf.12167
Subject(s) - isometric exercise , medicine , balance (ability) , athletes , physical therapy , balance test , physical medicine and rehabilitation
Summary The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of maximal and rapid isometric torque characteristics of the hip extensor muscles and postural balance performance to discriminate between female collegiate soccer athletes and non‐athlete controls. Ten athletes (mean ± SE : age = 19·20 ± 0·36 year; mass = 62·23 ± 3·12 kg; height = 162·43 ± 1·70 cm) and 10 non‐athletes (age = 20·30 ± 0·40 year; mass = 69·64 ± 3·20 kg; height = 163·22 ± 2·10 cm) performed two isometric maximal voluntary contractions ( MVC s) of the hip extensor muscles. Peak torque ( PT ) and absolute and relative rate of torque development ( RTD ) at early (0–50 ms) and late (100–200 ms) phases of muscle contraction were examined during each MVC . Postural balance was assessed using a commercially designed balance testing device, which provides a measurement of static stability based on sway index ( SI ). Results indicated that absolute and relative RTD at 0–50 ms ( RTD 50 and RTD 50norm) were greater ( P = 0·007 and 0·026), and postural SI was lower ( P = 0·022) in the athletes compared with the non‐athletes. However, no differences ( P = 0·375–0·709) were observed for PT nor absolute and relative RTD at 100–200 ms ( RTD 100–200 and RTD 100–200norm). Significant relationships were also observed between RTD 50 and RTD 50norm and SI ( r = −0·559 and −0·521; P = 0·010 and 0·019). These findings suggest that early rapid torque characteristics of the hip extensor muscles and postural balance performance may be sensitive and effective measures for discriminating between college‐aged athletes and non‐athletes. Coaches and practitioners may use these findings as performance evaluation tools to help in identifying athletes with both superior early rapid torque and balance performance abilities, which may possibly be an indicator of overall athletic potential.