Effects of maturity status on the rate of torque development in young male soccer players

Background: The rate of torque development (RTD) has been associated with sports performance and can be improved during the biological maturation process of young soccer players. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of maturity status on the knee extensors' RTD of soccer players after appropriate normalization.

Methods: Twenty-seven young male soccer players aged 13-18 years old were allocated into two groups: pubescent (PUB, n = 11) and postpubescent (POSP, n = 16). RTD was obtained by performing a maximum voluntary isometric contraction at six different knee joint angles (30º, 45º, 60º, 75º, 90º, and 105º). Anthropometric (height and body mass) and muscle architecture variables (muscle thickness, muscle volume, fascicle length, pennation angle, and cross-section area) were evaluated as body size descriptors and used to identify the best way for appropriate normalization of RTD data.

Results: Muscle architecture variables showed no correlations with RTD (p > 0.05), while body mass showed a positive correlation (0.405 < r < 0.680; p < 0.05). Maturity status showed positive effects on absolute late RTD values (N·m·s^-1) obtained at four different angles (60º, 75º, 90º, and 105º). However, maturity status showed no effects on RTD values after normalization by body mass (N·m·s^-1·kg^-1).

Conclusions: Maturity status showed no positive effects on RTD values after appropriate normalization by body mass in young soccer players.