The temporal pattern of recovery in eccentric hamstring strength post-soccer specific fatigue

Eccentric hamstring strength is an aetiological risk factor for soccer injury. The temporal pattern of recovery post-exercise is critical in injury management. 18 male professional soccer players completed baseline assessments of eccentric hamstring strength at isokinetic speeds of 60, 150 and 300 degrees center dot s(-1). Post SAFT(90) measures were repeated immediately, + 24 hrs, + 48 hrs and + 72 hrs. Main effects for recovery time and testing speed in average torque (AvT), peak torque (PT) and the corresponding angle (x19f;) were supplemented by regression modelling to describe the temporal pattern of recovery. A main effect for isokinetic testing speed was observed in PT and AvT. A main effect for recovery time highlighted greater strength pre-exercise, with a quadratic pattern to temporal recovery highlighting minima achieved at between 40-48 hrs. Strength parameters are not fully recovered until 96 hrs post soccer specific fatigue, with implications for training design and injury management, particularly within fixture-congested periods.