Biomechanical determinants of high ball speed during instep soccer kick by prepubescent male athletes: the importance of muscle elasticity.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine whether muscle viscoelastic properties, muscle activation and thigh rotational velocity and rotational acceleration are significantly associated with high ball speed during instep soccer kick by prepubescent male athletes.

Methodology

This study included 31 prepubescent male soccer players. Maximal ball speed during the instep kick was measured using a radar gun. Viscoelastic properties such as tone, elasticity, and stiffness of the superficial abdominal and leg muscles were measured at rest using myotonometry. The activation of the rectus abdominis (RA) and rectus femoris (RF), as well as the thigh's three-dimensional rotational velocity and acceleration, were evaluated using surface electromyography and an inertial meas

SUBMITTER: Deniz V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12357547 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature