Authors
Ole Tovar, Department of Sport Science, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
Dóra Molnár, Research Centre for Sports Physiology, Hungarian University of Sport Science, Budapest, Hungary
Badis Soussi, Research Centre for Sports Physiology, Hungarian University of Sport Science, Budapest, Hungary
Ádám Uhlár, Research Centre for Sports Physiology, Hungarian University of Sport Science, Budapest, Hungary
Tamás Horváth, Research Centre for Sports Physiology, Hungarian University of Sport Science, Budapest, Hungary
Mira Ambrus, Research Centre for Sports Physiology, Hungarian University of Sport Science, Budapest, Hungary
International Journal of Exercise Science 18(7): 561-574, 2025.
DOI: 10.70252/IIMQ1487
Abstract
Knee injuries are very common in soccer players. High loads on the knee during landing or changes of direction can lead to a valgus shift of the knee, known as Dynamic Knee Valgus (DKV). Many studies have shown that a large shift in DKV is a predisposing factor for knee injuries and disease, such as anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL), patellofemoral pain syndrome or osteoarthritis. Functional training could be a great tool to reduce DKV. Thus, in this pilot study, nine male youth soccer players (mean age: 16.4 ± 0.2 years) took part in six weeks of functional training program. DKV was measured in pre- and post-measurements during single leg squats using Kinect Azure camera with DynaKnee software. In addition, maximal voluntary muscle contraction (MVC) was measured using a dynamometer and muscle activation amplitude (MAA) was measured using electromyography. Data were analysed using a non-parametric Wilcoxon signed rank test to assess differences in DKV, MAA and MVC at a 5% significance level. Data showed a small improvement of DKV in the dominant leg. MVC increased slightly in all variables. The MAA of the involved muscles in the single-leg squat did not show a higher value, but rather a decreasing trend. However, none of the analyses showed significant changes. The small number of participants and the short duration of the training might have been a limiting factor. Further studies should repeat the procedure with a larger group of participants and a longer training period.
Recommended Citation
Tovar, Ole; Molnár, Dóra; Soussi, Badis; Uhlár, Ádám; Horváth, Tamás; Ambrus, Mira (2025) “The Effect of Functional Training on Dynamic Knee Valgus of Youth Soccer Players: A Pilot Study” International Journal of Exercise Science: Vol. 18 : Iss. 7, Pages 561 – 574.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70252/IIMQ1487