Does individual-specific strength training have an effect upon knee muscle strength balances? Knee muscle strength balances.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of 8-week individual-specific strength exercises on knee muscle strength balance.

METHODS: Totally 42 male voluntary amateur soccer players participated in the study. The players were categorized into 3 groups with 14 members in each one; the control group (CG), maximal strength training group (STG) and individual-specific strength training group (ISTG). The players in both STG and ISTG performed strength exercises for lower extremity for 3 days per week for 8 weeks. Dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) leg concentric extension and concentric flexion of the players were determined by means of isokinetic dynamometer called 'Biodex' at 60°s-1 , 180°s-1 and 300°s-1 angular velocities. Wilcoxon test was conducted to determine the differences between pre-test and post-test of the groups.

RESULTS: Dominant and non-dominant leg H/Q ratio was specified to increase in ISTG at 60°s-1 , 180°s-1 and 300°s-1 angular velocities (p<0.05). Although no statistically significant difference was found in terms of bilateral deficit in any groups, BLD was noticed to decrease significantly in dominant and non-dominant legs in ISTG group.

CONCLUSIONS: As a result, it was determined that in STG and ISTG considering the strength deficits of the athletes was to increase the H/Q ratio and reduce BLD, yet the H/Q ratios and BLD yielded a better improvement in ISTG, and thus leading a more effective method in individual training.