Investigation of the relationship between isokinetic lower extremity strength and the vertical jump parameter in elite women football players

Abstract

Background and Study Aim.  It can be said that recently, with the popularity of women's football and playing at a professional level, physical and physiological needs have increased. In this context, this study was conducted to examine the relationship between isokinetic lower extremity strength and vertical jump parameters in elite female football players. Material and Methods. The model of the research was the relational survey model, one of the survey models. The research group consisted of 26 volunteer professional female football players competing at the Turkish women's super league level. The maximum strength of the knee extensor and flexor muscles of female soccer players was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer device (Cybex NORM®, Humac, CA, USA) that allows the recording of instant isokinetic torque. The vertical jump test data of the female football players were determined with the Fusion Sport-Smart Jump brand jump mat. While SPSS 25.0 package program was used for statistical analysis evaluation, correlation analysis was applied to compare the relationship between isokinetic lower extremity strength and vertical jump parameter. Results. When the participants' vertical jump, right knee flexion and extension degrees were examined, a moderate positive correlation was found between the vertical jump parameter and the 240s Flexion Right %Body Weight values, and no relationship was found between the other parameters and the vertical jump. A moderate positive correlation was detected between the vertical jump parameter and 240s Flexion Left %Body Weight. Another moderate positive correlation was found between the vertical jump parameter and 240s Extension Left %Body Weight values. At the same time, no relation was found between other parameters and vertical jumps. Conclusions. As a result, when the study results were evaluated, a positive relationship was determined between vertical jump and right knee flexion parameters and similarly left knee flexion-extension parameters. Based on this situation, it was concluded that the contraction levels of the lower extremity strength, which plays an important role in determining the performance in the football branch, contribute positively to the jump performance.