Effects of age on the reciprocal peak torque ratios during knee muscle contractions in elite soccer players

To investigate the effects of age on the reciprocal peak torque ratios duri ng knee muscle contractions, 25 elite male soccer players, aged 22.3 +/- 3. 8 yr (18-28), volunteered for the present study. The players were grouped a s adult (>21 years, n = 13) and young players (less than or equal to 21 yea rs, n = 12). Maximal concentric (CON) and eccentric (ECC) isokinetic thigh muscle strength was measured at angular velocities of 30 degrees, 180 degre es, 240 degrees and 300 degrees/s. ECC and CON peak torques of knee flexors (hamstring, HAM) and CON peak torques of knee extensors (quadriceps, QUA) in the dominant knee were greater (P < 0.05) in adult players than in young players at 180, 240 and 300 degrees/s. ECC HAM/CON QUA peak torque ratio a t 300 degrees/s was greater (P < 0.05) for adult players compared to young players in the dominant knee but not in the nondominant knee. Furthermore, conventional HAM/QUA peak torque ratios of the dominant knee at all angular velocities for ECC contraction were higher (P < 0.05) in adult players tha n in young players. In conclusion, the findings of the present study indica te that the reciprocal torque ratio is influenced by age in the dominant kn ee of elite soccer players. Because there was no effect of age for the nond ominant leg, the findings of the present study are more likely to be the re sult of the training background of the players than their age.