A 90 Minute Soccer Match Induces Eccentric Hamstring Muscles Fatigue

Background/Purpose of the study. Hamstring injuries are the most prevalent muscle injuries in both amateur and professional soccer (football) players. Eccentric strength deficits and muscle strength imbalances have been associated with an increased risk of muscle injuries. The current study is a non-randomised observational study investigating whether fatigue significantly reduces peak eccentric strength of the hamstring muscle group. Methods. Twenty-two right leg dominant professional football players participated in this study. None were injured or were rehabilitating from an injury at the time of testing. The eccentric strength of the hamstring muscles was determined using the Nordic exercise on a Norbord device prior to a 90 minute soccer match and after its end. Results. There was a significant decrease in eccentric strength at the end of the match (before the match: M = 306.91, SD = 59.26; after the match: mean = 277.77 +/- SD = 60.35 p =.000, Cohen's d = .50). The imbalance in eccentric hamstring muscle strength between dominant and non-dominant limb before the match remained unchanged after its end. Conclusions. A professional football match significantly impacts on the ability of players to produce high speed eccentric strength in the hamstring muscle groups. Resistance to fatigue and eccentric strength, particularly at high speeds, are considerable factors in conditioning of professional soccer players. Eccentric muscle strength fatigue of the hamstring muscle group after a 90 min soccer match may provide a possible explanation for the greater risk of hamstring injuries under fatigue conditions.