Changes in Anthropometric Characteristics and Isokinetic Muscle Strength in Elite Team Sport Players during an Annual Training Cycle

Abstract

The aim of the present research was to investigate the variation in the anthropometric characteristics and the isokinetic muscle strength of elite female team sport players during a season (29–36 weeks). Three groups of female athletes that consisted of soccer (n = 19; age, 23.2 ± 4.3 years), basketball (n = 26, 21.1 ± 5.4 years) and handball players (n = 26, 21.1 ± 4.2 years) underwent anthropometric and isokinetic measurements at the beginning of the preparation period, in the middle and at the end of the competitive season. Isokinetic peak torque values of the hamstrings (H) and quadriceps (Q), as well as the conventional strength ratios of H:Q, were tested on an isokinetic dynamometer at angular velocities of 60, 180 and 300°·s−1. Body weight, lean body mass and body fat of all groups decreased from the first to the third testing session (p < 0.05). Isokinetic peak torque gradually increased during the three measurements (p < 0.05). The soccer players had lower body weight and body fat compared to the basketball and handball players (p < 0.05). Isokinetic peak torque in knee flexion did not show any difference between the sports at any angular velocity or knee movement (flexion and extension), with an exception of the 180°·s−1. The improvement observed for all athletes can be attributed to the training programs that collectively characterize these team sports.