Comparison of peak torque and hamstring to quadriceps ratio among professional local and non-local soccer players of the United Arab Emirates

Introduction. Soccer is a physically demanding sport that is popular around the world. Injury prevention and performance optimization require a thorough understanding of the anthropometric and muscular strength profiles of professional soccer players. It is especially important to understand the muscle strength differences between local and foreign players. This study investigates the peak torque and hamstring-to-quadriceps (H:Q) ratios in local and non-local players in the United Arab Emirates. Methods. This cross-sectional study included 72 local and 56 non-local male professional soccer players in the UAE. The Cybex dynamometer was used to measure isokinetic strength at rotational velocities of 60°/s, 120°/s, and 180°/s. Anthropometric data such as height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were collected. SPSS statistics version 27.0 was used for statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics summarized demographics, and a mixed-factorial ANOVA was used to investigate the effects of velocity, body side, and player category. Non-parametric and peak torque-demographic relationships were examined using Spearman rank correlation and Pearson’s correlation. Results. Non-local players had significantly higher height, weight, and BMI than local players, implying potential physical advantages. Non-local players exhibited significantly higher peak torque in both quadriceps and hamstrings, resulting in a more balanced H:Q ratio and stronger lower limb muscle strength. Only the left hamstring peak torque showed no statistically significant difference. Height, weight, and BMI were all positively related to muscle strength parameters. Conclusion. Non-local players had significantly higher peak torque in the hamstrings, quadriceps, and H:Q ratio. There was also a strong positive correlation between physical strength measurements and height, implying that taller athletes typically have stronger lower limbs.