Affiliations: [a] Department of Exercise Science, Willamette University,
Salem, OR, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Junggi Hong, Willamette University, Sparks
Center 211, 900 State St.,Salem OR 97301, USA. Tel.: +1 503 370 6240; Fax: +1
503 370 6379; E-mail: jhong@willamette.edu
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare the neuromuscular fitness
profiles of male and female NCAA Division III soccer players (D-III). A total
of 53 subjects (29 male, 23 female) performed various neuromuscular fitness
tests prior to the beginning of a competitive season. Neuromuscular fitness was
quantified through single leg balance assessment, time to generate peak torque,
peak knee flexion and extension torque, hamstring to quadriceps ratio, and
flexibility tests. Test results revealed that females possessed significantly
greater balance ability whereas males possessed increased peak knee extension
and flexion torque. Hamstring to quadriceps ratio and flexibility results were
not significantly different between genders. Results of time to peak torque
tests were in variance with previous studies assessing Division I and
professional soccer players. The results of the present study reveal gender
differences in neuromuscular fitness in D-III soccer players and that the
neuromuscular fitness may differ between D-III and D-I soccer players.
Keywords: Neuromuscular fitness, gender differences, soccer, college sports
