Maximal Ball Velocity and Peak Toroues of Hip Flexor and Knee Extensor Muscles

Isokinetic ergomgtry is often utilized for testing muscle function in soccer players (Oberg et al., 1984). Some authors maintain that this kind of measurement is useful for the prediction of muscle injuries typical of this game (Grace, 1985). Maximal torque values of isokinetic contractions are usually read at joint angles and angular speeds which are different from those encountered in the actual movement of kicking when ballistic torques (BT) are maximal (Huang et al., 1982; Robertson and Mosher, 1983). Furthermore, while several studies have been carried out for knee extensor muscles (KEM), little attention has been paid to hip flexor muscles (HFM) which have been shown to play a determinant role in ballistic conditions (Huang et al., 1982; Robertson and Mosher, 1983).