Evaluation and Analysis of Strength Values assessed Pre and Post pitch session in an MLS Team During the Season and After the Off Season.
Description
The main objective was to determine the strength and power values in a professional Major League Soccer (MLS) team. Twenty-two professional football players from an MLS club, excluding goalkeepers, participated. Six assessments were conducted, including three pre- and three post-tests, assessing eccentric hamstring strength in the Nordic curl using the NordBord, maximal isometric strength in hip adduction-abduction with ForceFrame, and lower body power with CMJ in ForceDecks. The strength and power values established with the Pre and Post assessments show a CMJ height of 43.96 ± 3.92cm, in Nordic curl 382.46±67.79N-I and 370.66±65.84N-D, in hip adduction 414.79±73.86N-I and 424.02±71.88N (R), and in hip abduction 411.93±60.19N-I and 420.77±60.54N-R. The comparison between Pre and Post evaluations showed statistically lower values (p<0.05) in the Nordic Curl, hip adduction and abduction, while the CMJ showed no significant changes (p=0.056). On the contrary, after the transitional period only the CMJ showed lower values (p<0.05) compared to the Nordic Curl, and hip adduction and abduction (p˃0.05). The data studied show lower post-session strength values, except for power expressed in CMJ height. After the transitional period, hamstring and hip strength (ABD-ADD) did not show significant changes, but CMJ height did.