Relationship of Quadriceps Geometry and Strength in Male and Female national-level Soccer Players

Quadriceps muscles are essential for various aspects soccer performance. This study explored the relationships between quadriceps muscle architecture, morphology, and strength in male and female national-level soccer players.
The regional architecture and morphology of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles were examined using ultrasonography, whereas knee extension strength was assessed via isometric and isokinetic dynamometry at 60°/s and 240°/s.
Participants included 25 female (age: 22.3±4.1 years; height: 169.9±5.0 cm; weight: 62.6±5.6 kg; muscle mass: 28.0±2.3 kg) and 55 male (age: 18.8±1.2 years; height: 177.16±7.1 cm; weight: 70.7±8.1 kg; muscle mass: 36.3±4.3 kg) tier 3 national-level soccer players. Males showed greater muscle cross-sectional areas (ACSA) and knee extension strength than females. Notably, relationships between ACSA and knee extension strength primarily differed between males and females during fast isokinetic contractions. Moderate correlations were consistent between isokinetic torque and VL ACSA at 33% femur length (r=0.41–0.61) in females. Muscle architectural parameters showed no differences between males and females or associations with strength, and weight adjustments attenuated most correlations.
These results indicate differences in quadriceps morphology and strength in male and female soccer players, while muscle architecture remains similar across sexes.