Effect of a simulated soccer match on the functional hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio in amateur female players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a simulated soccer test on the functional hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio (H-ecc:Q(con)) in female soccer players. Fourteen amateur players (age, 26.1 +/- 4.6 years; height, 168 +/- 12cm; body mass, 62.7 +/- 5.5kg; body fat, 23.7 +/- 2.2%) performed the modified Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (modified LIST). Isokinetic strength assessments of the hamstrings and quadriceps on the dominant and non-dominant legs at 120 degrees/s were performed before and immediately after the modified LIST. H-ecc:Q(con) was calculated as the ratio of the peak eccentric torque of the hamstrings to the peak concentric torque of the quadriceps. A two-way univariate analysis of variance was used to assess the effect of time and leg dominance on H-ecc:Q(con). The main results showed that the modified LIST led to a significant decrease in H-ecc:Q(con) in the dominant (-14.1%) and non-dominant legs (-8.0%) (P=0.02). However, this decrease was not significantly different between dominant and non-dominant legs (P=0.42). These results reflect a greater risk of hamstrings tears and ACL sprains at the end of soccer matches.