OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were: 1) to determine and compare the extensor torque, H:Q ratio and triple hop distance in functional test between lower extremities; 2) to identify the relationship between extensor torque and H:Q ratio with the performance in triple hop distance in professional soccer players. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one healthy male professional soccer players, average 23.2 (± 3.6) years old, without history of injury were selected. The athletes were assessed in an isokinetic dynamometer at three angular velocities: 60, 180 and 300°/s, and from this assessment the peak of torque and calculated H:Q ratio at the three velocities were obtained. The triple hop distance was also used to calculate the hopped distance in meters. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the lower extremities (dominant and non-dominant) (p = 0.23). Also, a weak relationship between extensor torque and functional test at the three velocities was observed (Dominant: 60°/s_r = 0.38; 180°/s_r = 0.43*; 300°/s_r = 0.26. Non dominant: 60°/s_r = 0.36; 180°/s_r = 0.30; 300°/s_r = 0.48*) (*p < 0.05). Similar results were found for H:Q ratio (Dominant: 60_r = 0.01; 180_r = 0.11; 300_r = - 0.02. Non-dominant: 60_r = - 0.20; 180_r = - 0.15; 300_r = - 0.18). CONCLUSION: Due to a weak relationship, the isokinetic test cannot be replaced by the triple hop distance (functional test) for muscular function assessment.
isokinetic dynamometer; athletes; hop test; correlation; functional test
