The Effect of Stiffness of Lower Extremity Soft Tissue on the Athletic Performance of K-7 League Soccer Players: A Pilot Study

Abstract

PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to verify the effect of soft tissue stiffness on joint range of motion and athletic performance in soccer players. METHODS Fifteen adult male soccer players participated in the study. After the warm-up, calf muscle and Achilles tendon stiffness were measured. Subsequently, range of motion of the ankle joint and 30 m sprint and vertical jump were performed. Exercise performance was assessed as a field test to create an experimental environment similar to that of actual training and competition. RESULTS Achilles tendon stiffness showed a significant correlation with the 30 m sprint and the vertical jump (p<.05). A moderate correlation was observed between the 30 m sprint and the vertical jump(p<.01). Soleus muscle stiffness was significantly correlated with the 30 m sprint(p<.05). No other correlations were observed. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, it was confirmed that Achilles tendon stiffness affects exercise performance. In a follow-up study, it was necessary to confirm the effect of the stiffness of various soft tissues on exercise performance.

Keywords

• achilles tendon stiffness
• sprint
• vertical jump
• soccer players
• soccer performance