Evaluation of hamstring and quadriceps muscle groups and theircondition in returning to sports after pandemic in elite football players

Purpose: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, training and competitions in most professional and amateur sports branches were stopped. The aim of this study is to evaluate the functional components of the hamstring/quadriceps muscle groups in elite football players who are in the stage of returning to sports after the pandemic. Method: Elite football players (U19) who converted to sports after the pandemic were evaluated before returning to sports and in the pre-season preparation period. The study was carried out in Bezmialem sports health center and Beşiktaş Football Academy. The pandemic process was evaluated as 22 elite academy players who stayed away from sports for a minimum of 6.5 months (mean; 12.5 months (6.5-15 months). Isokinetic strength test that composes of 4 repetitions in 60 degree and 15 repetitions in 180 degree was applied. Contraction magnitude and bilateral asymmetry indexes of the hamstring (H) and quadriceps (Q) muscle groups were evaluated non-invasively with the surface-Electromyography (s-EMG (Neurocess)) device. The difference between measurement after the research was stated by using Pearson correlation and T Test. Significance was evaluated at the p<0.05 level. Results: A significant difference was found between PTNDH 60˚/s and PTNDH 60˚/s (p<0.01). r=.65 correlation was found between PTDQ 60˚/sec, PTDH 60˚/sec and s-EMG maximum contraction magnitudes, r=.62 correlation was found between PTDQ 180˚/sec, PTNDQ 180˚/sec and s-EMG maximum contraction magnitude. After the pandemic, before the season, the average bilateral asymmetry index was measured as 33.8% for the hamstring group and 25.6% for the quadriceps with s-EMG. Conclusions: Isokinetic test peak tork values and s-EMG maximum contraction magnitudes of H and Q muscle groups has a moderate corelation. Bilateral asymmetry index was evaluated as risky for hasmtirng and quadriceps muscles injuries at the beginning of the season.