Unit:
Department of Physical Education & Sport ScienceLibrary of the School of Physical Education and Sport Science
Author:
TSANTILAS ATHANASIOS
DIMAKAKOS PANAGIOTIS
Supervisors info:
Μητροτάσιος Μιχάλης, Λέκτορας, ΤΕΦΑΑ, ΕΚΠΑ
Original Title:
Επίδραση της ηλικίας στη μέγιστη δύναμη και ευλυγισία των κάτω άκρων σε ημι-επαγγελματίες ποδοσφαιριστές
Translated title:
Effect of age on maximum strength and flexibility of the lower limbs on semi-professional football players
Summary:
The following study aims to investigate the effect of age on the maximum strength of knee extensors and flexors, on the flexibility of the hamstrings and on the body fat percentage of semi-professional football players. In this research, 22 football players aged 18-35 years, were divided into two groups based on their age as under 25 years (n = 10) and 25 years and over (n = 12). The maximum concentric torque of the extensors (KE) and flexors (KF) of the knee were examined bilaterally by an isokinetic dynamometer (Cybex), while the flexibility of the hamstrings was assessed by the sit-and-reach test (SAR) and the percentage body fat was measured with the method of skinfold calipers. The variables studied are the maximum torque of the right and left knee extensors and flexors, the difference between the anterior and posterior femurs between the right and left knee, the KF / KE ratio on both sides, the flexibility of the hamstrings and the body fat percentage. The results showed that there was no dominance of one age group in all the variables that emerged from the isokinetic evaluation, while footballers under 25 years had a slightly higher average value (Mean) in flexibility and body fat percentage. However, no statistically significant difference was found in any of the examined variables (p> 0.05). In conclusion, the age factor cannot affect the maximum strength of the lower limbs, the flexibility of the hamstrings and the body fat percentage. Therefore, it is not recommended to group players based on their age, while strength and mobility training of the lower limbs is necessary in case to maximize performance and avoid injuries. Finally, it is important to point out that the issue needs further investigation, due to the limited number of surveys and the heterogeneity of the results.
Main subject category:
Education - Sport science
Keywords:
maximum strength, maximum torque, effect of age, isokinetic, hamstrings flexibility, body fat percentage, semi-professional
