Download PDF
Int J Sports Med 2024; 45(14): 1029-1039
DOI: 10.1055/a-2369-5900
Review

Quadriceps Architectural Adaptations in Team Sports Players: A Meta-analysis

Javier Pecci 
1   Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Seville, Sevilla, Spain
3   Department of Physical Education, Sport and Human Movement, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
,
Borja Sañudo 
1   Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Seville, Sevilla, Spain
,
Horacio Sanchez-Trigo
2   Department of Physical Education and Sport, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
,
Gonzalo Reverte-Pagola
2   Department of Physical Education and Sport, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
,
Helios Pareja-Galeano
3   Department of Physical Education, Sport and Human Movement, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
› Author Affiliations
› Further Information
Also available at
    Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

Resistance training is the most effective strategy to modify muscle architecture, enhancing sport performance and reducing injury risk. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of high loads (HL) versus lower loads (LL), maximal versus submaximal efforts, and high frequency (HF) versus low frequency (LF) on quadriceps architectural adaptations in team sports players. Five databases were searched. Vastus lateralis thickness, fascicle length and pennation angle, and rectus femoris thickness were analyzed as main outcomes. Overall, resistance training significantly improved muscle thickness and pennation angle, but not fascicle length. LL led to greater fascicle length adaptations in the vastus lateralis compared to HL (p=0.01), while no substantial differences were found for other load comparisons. Degree of effort and training frequency did not show meaningful differences (p>0.05). In conclusion, LL lengthen the fascicle to a greater extent than HL, and training with LL twice a week could maximize architectural adaptations, whereas the degree of effort does not appear to be a determinant variable on quadriceps architectural adaptations.

Keywords

muscle thickness - fascicle length - pennation angle - strength

Supplementary Material



Publication History

Received: 01 April 2024

Accepted: 18 July 2024

Accepted Manuscript online:
18 July 2024

Article published online:
08 October 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

  • References

  • 1 Suchomel TJ, Nimphius S, Stone MH. The Importance of Muscular Strength in Athletic Performance. Sports Medicine 2016; 46: 1419-1449
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 2 Lauersen JB, Bertelsen DM, Andersen LB. The effectiveness of exercise interventions to prevent sports injuries: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Br J Sports Med 2014; 48: 871-877
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 3 Sánchez-Medina L, González-Badillo JJ. Velocity Loss as an Indicator of Neuromuscular Fatigue during Resistance Training. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2011; 43: 1725-1734
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 4 Spineti J, Figueiredo T, Bastos DE Oliveira V. et al. Comparison between traditional strength training and complex contrast training on repeated sprint ability and muscle architecture in elite soccer players. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2016; 56: 1269-1278
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 5 Ramirez-Campillo R, García-de-Alcaraz A, Chaabene H. et al. Effects of Plyometric Jump Training on Physical Fitness in Amateur and Professional Volleyball: A Meta-Analysis. Front Physiol 2021; 12
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 6 Muñoz-López A, de Souza Fonseca F, Ramírez-Campillo R. et al. The use of real-time monitoring during flywheel resistance training programmes: How can we measure eccentric overload? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Biol Sport 2021; 38: 639-652
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 7 Cormier P, Freitas TT, Rubio-Arias JÁ. et al. Complex and Contrast Training: Does Strength and Power Training Sequence Affect Performance-Based Adaptations in Team Sports? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res 2020; 34: 1461-1479
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 8 Pardos-Mainer E, Lozano D, Torrontegui-Duarte M. et al. Effects of Strength vs. Plyometric Training Programs on Vertical Jumping, Linear Sprint and Change of Direction Speed Performance in Female Soccer Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18: 401
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 9 Faude O, Koch T, Meyer T. Straight sprinting is the most frequent action in goal situations in professional football. J Sports Sci 2012; 30: 625-631
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 10 Joseph J, McIntyre F, Joyce C. et al. A comparison of multidimensional qualities discriminant of selection in elite adolescent Australian basketball athletes. PLoS One 2021; 16: e0256032
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 11 Mujika I, Santisteban J, Impellizzeri FM. et al. Fitness determinants of success in men’s and women’s football. J Sports Sci 2009; 27: 107-114
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 12 Dallinga JM, Benjaminse A, Lemmink KAPM. Which Screening Tools Can Predict Injury to the Lower Extremities in Team Sports?. Sports Medicine 2012; 42: 791-815
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 13 Brinlee AW, Dickenson SB, Hunter-Giordano A. et al. ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation: Clinical Data, Biologic Healing, and Criterion-Based Milestones to Inform a Return-to-Sport Guideline. Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach 2022; 14: 770-779
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 14 Mendiguchia J, Alentorn-Geli E, Idoate F. et al. Rectus femoris muscle injuries in football: A clinically relevant review of mechanisms of injury, risk factors and preventive strategies. Br J Sports Med 2013; 47: 359-366
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 15 van der Worp H, van Ark M, Roerink S. et al. Risk factors for patellar tendinopathy: A systematic review of the literature. Br J Sports Med 2011; 45: 446-452
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 16 Huijing PA. Elastic potential of muscle. Strength and power in sport 1991; 151-168
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 17 Cross TM, Gibbs N, Houang MT. et al. Acute Quadriceps Muscle Strains. Am J Sports Med 2004; 32: 710-719
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 18 Orchard J, Seward H. Epidemiology of injuries in the Australian Football League, seasons 1997-2000. Br J Sports Med 2002; 36: 39-44
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 19 Zebis MK, Bencke J, Andersen LL. et al. The Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Knee Joint Motor Control During Sidecutting in Female Elite Soccer and Handball Players. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine 2008; 18: 329-337
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 20 Zebis MK, Sørensen MH, Lauridsen HB. et al. Electromyography Evaluation of Bodyweight Exercise Progression in a Validated Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Rehabilitation Program. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2019; 98: 998-1004
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 21 Dos’Santos T, Thomas C, Comfort P. et al. Biomechanical Effects of a 6-Week Change-of-Direction Technique Modification Intervention on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk. J Strength Cond Res 2021; 35: 2133-2144
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 22 Suchomel TJ, Nimphius S, Bellon CR. et al. The Importance of Muscular Strength: Training Considerations. Sports Medicine 2018; 48: 765-785
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 23 Lieber RL, Ward SR. Skeletal muscle design to meet functional demands. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 2011; 366: 1466-1476
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 24 Fitts RH, McDonald KS, Schluter JM. The determinants of skeletal muscle force and power: Their adaptability with changes in activity pattern. J Biomech 1991; 24: 111-122
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 25 Fukunaga T, Kawakami Y, Kuno S. et al. Muscle architecture and function in humans. J Biomech 1997; 30: 457-463
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 26 Freitas SR, Mendes B, Le Sant G. et al. Can chronic stretching change the muscle-tendon mechanical properties? A review. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2018; 28: 794-806
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 27 Windt J, Gabbett TJ. How do training and competition workloads relate to injury? The workload—injury aetiology model. Br J Sports Med 2017; 51: 428-435
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 28 Windt J, Zumbo BD, Sporer B. et al. Why do workload spikes cause injuries, and which athletes are at higher risk? Mediators and moderators in workload-injury investigations. Br J Sports Med 2017; 51: 993-994
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 29 Hasenoehrl T, Wessner B, Tschan H. et al. Eccentric resistance training intensity may affect the severity of exercise induced muscle damage. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2017; 57: 1195-1204
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 30 Cormier P, Freitas TT, Seaman K. A systematic review of resistance training methodologies for the development of lower body concentric mean power, peak power, and mean propulsive power in team-sport athletes. Sports Biomech 2021; 4: 1-34
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 31 Harper DJ, Sandford GN, Clubb J. et al. Elite football of 2030 will not be the same as that of 2020: What has evolved and what needs to evolve?. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2021; 31: 493-494
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 32 Nassis GP, Massey A, Jacobsen P. et al. Elite football of 2030 will not be the same as that of 2020: Preparing players, coaches, and support staff for the evolution. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2020; 30: 962-964
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 33 Calleja-González J, Terrados N, Mielgo-Ayuso J. et al. Evidence-based post-exercise recovery strategies in basketball. Phys Sportsmed 2016; 44: 74-78
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 34 Calleja-González J, Mielgo-Ayuso J, Sampaio J. et al. Brief ideas about evidence-based recovery in team sports. J Exerc Rehabil 2018; 14: 545-550
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 35 Coratella G. Appropriate Reporting of Exercise Variables in Resistance Training Protocols: Much more than Load and Number of Repetitions. Sports Med Open 2022; 8: 99
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 36 Torres-Ronda L, Beanland E, Whitehead S. et al. Tracking Systems in Team Sports: A Narrative Review of Applications of the Data and Sport Specific Analysis. Sports Med Open 2022; 8: 15
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 37 Pol R, Balagué N, Ric A. et al. Training or Synergizing? Complex Systems Principles Change the Understanding of Sport Processes. Sports Med Open 2020; 6: 28
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 38 Alonso-Fernandez D, Fernandez-Rodriguez R, Abalo-Núñez R. Changes in rectus femoris architecture induced by the reverse nordic hamstring exercises. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2019; 59: 640-647
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 39 Horwath O, Paulsen G, Esping T. et al. Isokinetic resistance training combined with eccentric overload improves athletic performance and induces muscle hypertrophy in young ice hockey players. J Sci Med Sport 2019; 22: 821-826
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 40 Ullrich B, Pelzer T, Pfeiffer M. Neuromuscular Effects to 6 Weeks of Loaded Countermovement Jumping With Traditional and Daily Undulating Periodization. J Strength Cond Res 2018; 32: 660-674
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 41 Blazevich AJ, Cannavan D, Coleman DR. et al. Influence of concentric and eccentric resistance training on architectural adaptation in human quadriceps muscles. J Appl Physiol 2007; 103: 1565-1575
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 42 Timmins RG, Bourne MN, Shield AJ. et al. Short biceps femoris fascicles and eccentric knee flexor weakness increase the risk of hamstring injury in elite football (soccer): A prospective cohort study. Br J Sports Med 2016; 50: 1524-1535
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 43 Timmins RG, Shield AJ, Williams MD. et al. Biceps Femoris Long Head Architecture. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2015; 47: 905-913
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 44 Pincheira PA, Boswell MA, Franchi MV.. et al. Biceps femoris long head sarcomere and fascicle length adaptations after 3 weeks of eccentric exercise training. J Sport Health Sci 2022; 11: 43-49
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 45 Gérard R, Gojon L, Decleve P. et al. The Effects of Eccentric Training on Biceps Femoris Architecture and Strength: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis. J Athl Train 2020; 55: 501-514
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 46 Coratella G, Beato M, Milanese C. et al. Specific Adaptations in Performance and Muscle Architecture After Weighted Jump-Squat vs. Body Mass Squat Jump Training in Recreational Soccer Players. J Strength Cond Res 2018; 32: 921-929
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 47 Franchi MV, Atherton PJ, Reeves ND. et al. Architectural, functional and molecular responses to concentric and eccentric loading in human skeletal muscle. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2014; 210: 642-654
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 48 Lieber RL. Can we just forget about pennation angle?. J Biomech 2022; 132: 110954
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 49 Folland JP, Williams AG. The Adaptations to Strength Training. Sports Medicine 2007; 37: 145-168
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 50 Blazevich AJ, Gill ND, Bronks R. et al. Training-Specific Muscle Architecture Adaptation after 5-wk Training in Athletes. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2003; 35: 2013-2022
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 51 Douglas J, Pearson S, Ross A. et al. Effects of Accentuated Eccentric Loading on Muscle Properties, Strength, Power, and Speed in Resistance-Trained Rugby Players. J Strength Cond Res 2018; 32: 2750-2761
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 52 Gavanda S, Geisler S, Quittmann OJ. et al. The Effect of Block Versus Daily Undulating Periodization on Strength and Performance in Adolescent Football Players. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2019; 14: 814-821
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 53 Vázquez-Guerrero J, Moras G. Cambios en la arquitectura muscular y en la velocidad de ejecución de sentadillas en VersaPulley en condiciones estables e inestables en jugadores junior de baloncesto de élite durante una temporada. Cuadernos de Psicología del Deporte 2015; 15: 243-252
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 54 Page MJ, McKenzie JE, Bossuyt PM. et al. The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. International Journal of Surgery 2021; 88: 105906
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 55 Page MJ, Moher D, Bossuyt PM. et al. PRISMA 2020 explanation and elaboration: Updated guidance and exemplars for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ 2021; n160
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 56 Higgins JPT, Thomas J, Chandler J. et al. Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions 2019; 9: 1-694
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 57 Cohen J. Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences. 2nd edition Routledge; 2013
    CrossrefSearch in Google Scholar
  • 58 Higgins JPT, Thomas J, Chandler J. et al. Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. John Wiley & Sons; 2019
    CrossrefSearch in Google Scholar
  • 59 Grant J, Hunter A. Measuring inconsistency in knowledgebases. J Intell Inf Syst 2006; 27: 159-184
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 60 Baechle TR, Earle RW. Essentials of strength training and conditioning. Human kinetics. 2008
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 61 de Morton NA. The PEDro scale is a valid measure of the methodological quality of clinical trials: A demographic study. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy 2009; 55: 129-133
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 62 Ribeiro de Ávila V, Bento T, Gomes W. et al. Functional Outcomes and Quality of Life After Ankle Fracture Surgically Treated: A Systematic Review. J Sport Rehabil 2018; 27: 274-283
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 63 Gavanda S, Geisler S, Quitmann OJ. et al. Three Weeks of Detraining Does Not Decrease Muscle Thickness, Strength or Sport Performance in Adolescent Athletes. Int J Exerc Sci 2020; 13: 633-644
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 64 Enright K, Morton J, Iga J. et al. The effect of concurrent training organisation in youth elite soccer players. Eur J Appl Physiol 2015; 115: 2367-2381
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 65 Namboonlue C, Hamlin MJ, Sirasaporn P. et al. Optimal degree of hypoxia combined with low-load resistance training for muscle strength and thickness in athletes. Journal of Physical Education and Sport 2020; 20: 828-838
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 66 Scott BR, Peiffer JJ, Goods PSR. The Effects of Supplementary Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction Training on Morphological and Performance-Based Adaptations in Team Sport Athletes. J Strength Cond Res 2017; 31: 2147-2154
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 67 Mitchell CJ, Churchward-Venne TA, West DWD. et al. Resistance exercise load does not determine training-mediated hypertrophic gains in young men. J Appl Physiol 2012; 113: 71-77
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 68 Burd NA, West DWD, Staples AW. et al. Low-Load High Volume Resistance Exercise Stimulates Muscle Protein Synthesis More Than High-Load Low Volume Resistance Exercise in Young Men. PLoS One 2010; 5: e12033
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 69 Schoenfeld BJ, Ogborn D, Krieger JW. Effects of Resistance Training Frequency on Measures of Muscle Hypertrophy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Medicine 2016; 46: 1689-1697
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 70 Iversen VM, Norum M, Schoenfeld BJ. et al. No Time to Lift? Designing Time-Efficient Training Programs for Strength and Hypertrophy: A Narrative Review. Sports Medicine 2021; 51: 2079-2095
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 71 Vieira AF, Umpierre D, Teodoro JL. et al. Effects of Resistance Training Performed to Failure or Not to Failure on Muscle Strength, Hypertrophy, and Power Output: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis. J Strength Cond Res 2021; 35: 1165-1175
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 72 Bazyler CD, Mizuguchi S, Sole CJ. et al. Jumping Performance is Preserved but Not Muscle Thickness in Collegiate Volleyball Players After a Taper. J Strength Cond Res 2018; 32: 1020-1028
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 73 Santanielo N, Nóbrega S, Scarpelli M. et al. Effect of resistance training to muscle failure vs non-failure on strength, hypertrophy and muscle architecture in trained individuals. Biol Sport 2020; 37: 333-341
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 74 Marušič J, Vatovec R, Marković G. et al. Effects of eccentric training at long-muscle length on architectural and functional characteristics of the hamstrings. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2020; 30: 2130-2142
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 75 Párraga-Montilla JA, García-Ramos A, Castaño-Zambudio A. et al. Acute and Delayed Effects of a Resistance Training Session Leading to Muscular Failure on Mechanical, Metabolic, and Perceptual Responses. J Strength Cond Res 2020; 34: 2220-2226
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 76 Undheim MB, Cosgrave C, King E. et al. Isokinetic muscle strength and readiness to return to sport following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Is there an association? A systematic review and a protocol recommendation. Br J Sports Med 2015; 49: 1305-1310
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 77 Pieters D, Witvrouw E, Wezenbeek E. et al. Value of isokinetic strength testing for hamstring injury risk assessment: Should the ‘strongest’ mates stay ashore?. Eur J Sport Sci 2022; 22: 257-268
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 78 Suarez-Arrones L, Nakamura FY, Maldonado RA. et al. Applying a holistic hamstring injury prevention approach in elite football: 12 seasons, single club study. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2021; 31: 861-874
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 79 Afonso J, Nakamura FY, Baptista I. et al. Microdosing: Old Wine in a New Bottle? Current State of Affairs and Future Avenues. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2022; 17: 1649-1652
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 80 Routledge HE, Graham S, Di Michele R. et al. Training Load and Carbohydrate Periodization Practices of Elite Male Australian Football Players: Evidence of Fueling for the Work Required. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2020; 30: 280-286
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 81 Eggers T, Cross R, Norris D. et al. Impact of Microcycle Structures on Physical and Technical Outcomes During Professional Rugby League Training and Matches. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2022; 17: 755-760
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 82 Lovell R, Whalan M, Marshall PWM. et al. Scheduling of eccentric lower limb injury prevention exercises during the soccer micro-cycle: Which day of the week?. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2018; 28: 2216-2225
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 83 Sigward SM, Powers CM. The influence of gender on knee kinematics, kinetics and muscle activation patterns during side-step cutting. Clinical Biomechanics 2006; 21: 41-48
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar
  • 84 Blackburn JT, Bell DR, Norcross MF. et al. Sex comparison of hamstring structural and material properties. Clinical Biomechanics 2009; 24: 65-70
    CrossrefPubMedSearch in Google Scholar