Effect of maturity status on force-velocity relationships in a ballistic lower limb test in high-level soccer players

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to investigate the effect of maturity status on force-velocity relationships in a ballistic lower limb (BLL) test in high-level soccer adolescents and young adults. The population was 61 adolescents (13.0–17.9 years) and 23 young adults (18.0–26.2 years). Subjects completed the BLL test on a ballistic ergometer equipped with two force plates and a linear encoder. Following Samozino’s method, maximal power output (P_max), force (F₀) and velocity (v₀) were determined. An allometric model was applied to P_max and F₀ with body mass (BM) and fat-free mass (FFM). Significant effects of maturity status were found for absolute P_max, F₀, relative P_max to BM and FFM, relative F₀ to FFM and F₀ allometrically scaled to BM and FFM (p = 0.02 to p < 0.001; $\mathit{\eta }$ = 0.10 to $\mathit{\eta }$ = 0.49). There was no significant effect for P_max allometrically scaled to BM and FFM, F₀ relative to BM and v₀. Body dimensions explain group differences in P_max whereas for F₀, qualitative factors explain the differences between the groups. As maturity status and body dimensions influence P_max, these factors should be considered when assessing explosive short efforts. This could help to better identify potential athletic talent and adapt training content.

KEYWORDS:

• Maturity status
• neuromuscular function
• explosive short performance
• force-velocity profile

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to the athletes for their participation and all the researchers who helped in the experiments. We would also like to thank all the coaches, managers, and doctors of the Olympique de Marseille training center for their help and participation in the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Data described in the manuscript will be made available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported that there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.