Abstract
This study examined the thigh muscularity and strength capability in early adolescent
soccer players. The cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of the thigh muscles and dynamic
strength during knee extension and flexion at 1.05 rad/s were determined twice at
an interval of 6 months in 24 male soccer players aged 12–13 years and 11 age- and
body height-matched non-athletes. After 6 months, muscle CSA and dynamic strength
increased without significant interaction of time and group. Thigh total muscle CSA
was not significantly affected by group, but the value relative to either thigh CSA
or body mass was higher in soccer players. While knee flexion strength was similar
between the 2 groups, knee extension strength was greater in soccer players than in
non-athletes, even in terms of strength relative to CSA. The current results indicate
that, compared with age- and body height-matched non-athletes, early adolescent soccer
players are characterized by higher relative distribution of muscle mass within the
thigh and higher knee extension strength relative to the quadriceps CSA. During the
growth stage in which body height begins to increase markedly, however, participation
in competitive soccer training does not increase the rate of development in thigh
muscularity and strength.
Key words
cross-sectional area - quadriceps femoris - hamstrings - dynamic strength
