Relationship of Isometric Strength and Curve Sprint Performance in Female Soccer Players
(Emrah Korkmaz, Şükrü Alpan Cinemre, Savaş Kudaş, Hüseyin Çelik, Alberto Filter)

Sprint performance is critical in soccer, with most sprints following a curvilinear rather than a linear path. While isometric strength (IS) has been linked to linear sprint (LS) and change of direction (COD) performance, its relationship with curve sprint (CS) performance remains unclear. Hence, in this study, we analyzed the relationship between IS and CS performance in elite female soccer players. Nineteen elite female soccer players (age: 25.32 ± 4.18 years; body height: 167 ± 6.0 cm; body mass: 59.26 ± 5.34 kg; body fat percentage: 12.70 ± 2.18%) participated in a pre-season testing protocol. Following a standardized warm-up, players performed assessments of isometric hamstring strength (ISO), the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), and CS performance. IS was measured using a portable force plate, which is the gold standard for such assessments. Pearson correlation analysis examined the relationship between IS variables and CS performance. No significant correlations were found between IS measures and CS performance (r = −0.198 to 0.296, p ≥ 0.05), indicating that IS tests may not accurately reflect force production during velocity-specific activities, such as the CS, in elite female soccer players. Further studies should examine other neuromuscular and biomechanical factors affecting CS performance.