Intra-session reliability of knee flexion-extension muscle strength monitored using a functional electromechanical dynamometer in female soccer players

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to analyze the relative and absolute reliability of intra-session comparisons of three repetitions in a protocol for assessment peak muscle strength in a knee extension and flexion exercise in competitive female soccer players. Methods: The participants in this research are professional level female soccer players. Peak muscle strength was assessed with functional electromechanical dynamometry (FEMD) for the knee muscles with the following movements: knee flexion (FLE) and extension (EXT). Each movement was assessed at a speed of 0.4 m·s-1 unilaterally, recording peak muscle strength values in the concentric phase (CON) and an eccentric phase (ECC). Results: Null differences (ES < 0.19) were detected in the measurements of peak muscle strength of the extensors and flexors of the right and left knee in their concentric or eccentric phases. In the intra-set reliability measures, they reported acceptable absolute reliability (CV% < 9.71) and extremely high relative reliability (ICC = 0.92–0.98). Conclusion: In relation to the results of this study, it can be concluded that the FEMD presents a high relative and absolute intra-series reliability for the evaluation of muscle strength in knee extension and flexion in female soccer players. These reported antecedents may facilitate a more specific evaluation of the function of the muscles of the lower limbs.