RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EXTENSOR TORQUE AND H: Q RATIO WITH TRIPLE HOP DISTANCE IN PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYERS

Objective: The aims of this study were: 1) to determine and compare the extensor torque, H: Q ratio and triple hop distance in functional test between lower extremities; 2) to identify the relationship between extensor torque and H: Q ratio with the performance in triple hop distance in professional soccer players. Materials and methods: Twenty-one healthy male professional soccer players, average 23.2 (+/- 3.6) years old, without history of injury were selected. The athletes were assessed in an isokinetic dynamometer at three angular velocities: 60, 180 and 300 degrees/s, and from this assessment the peak of torque and calculated H:Q ratio at the three velocities were obtained. The triple hop distance was also used to calculate the hopped distance in meters. Results: No significant difference was found between the lower extremities (dominant and non-dominant) (p = 0.23). Also, a weak relationship between extensor torque and functional test at the three velocities was observed (Dominant: 60 degrees/s_r = 0.38; 180 degrees/s_r = 0.43*; 300 degrees/s_r = 0.26. Non dominant: 60 degrees/s_r = 0.36; 180 degrees/s_r = 0.30; 300 degrees/s_r = 0.48*) (*p <= 0.05). Similar results were found for H:Q ratio (Dominant: 60_r = 0.01; 180_r = 0.11; 300_r = -0.02. Non-dominant: 60_r = -0.20; 180_r = -0.15; 300_r = -0.18). Conclusion: Due to a weak relationship, the isokinetic test cannot be replaced by the triple hop distance (functional test) for muscular function assessment.