Relationships between lower-extremity muscle strength and the modified star excursion balance test in adolescent female soccer players

Abstract

[Purpose]In order to prevent injuries among adolescent female soccer players, this study investigated the lower-extremity muscle strength that affects their dynamic balance. [Subjects] Twenty-nine female soccer players who were junior or junior high school students. [Methods] The isometric strengths of the hip abductor and extensor muscles and the isokinetic strengths of the knee flexor and extensor muscles were measured. The modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT) was performed. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed using the scores of mSEBT as the dependent variable and the muscle strength as the independent variable. [Results] Significant correlations were observed between the scores of mSEBT of three directions and the strengths of the knee flexor and extensor and hip abductor muscles. The analysis indicated that the strength of the knee flexor muscle is a factor affecting the scores of mSEBT of the three directions. The level of fit, however, was low. [Conclusion] The study results indicate that, strengthening knee flexor muscles is important for improving dynamic balance in order to prevent lower-extremity injuries among adolescent female soccer players.