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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFrom a physiological perspective, in addition to neglecting the strengthening of the hamstrings, one of the most common muscular imbalances in football is the so-called jumper\u2019s knee, which results from excessive loading of the tendon in the knee area, arising mainly from repeated jumping or running. Jumper\u2019s knee manifests as unpleasant pain during movement or swelling in the knee region. Another factor contributing to the development of muscular imbalances is weak core stability, which indicates an insufficient ability to maintain the pelvis and the spine in an optimal position, negatively affecting the function and overloading of the muscles of the lower limbs.
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More comprehensive testing methods are generally used to diagnose muscular imbalances, as they assess the range of motion, strength, and flexibility of individual muscles or muscle groups. Execution of the deep squat exercise during FMS testing<\/p>\n\n\n\n The management of identified muscular imbalances is carried out on an individual basis, as diagnostic results vary from player to player. Therefore, in an ideal scenario, once imbalances are identified, an individual training plan is developed consisting of supplementary exercises, with a recommendation that players incorporate it into their regular training routine. In addition to the aforementioned strengthening of antagonistic muscles, these plans often include stretching exercises to improve flexibility and mobilization of the hip flexors, or core stabilization exercises such as planks, depending on the testing results.
Among the most widely used methods for identifying muscular imbalances in the football environment are FMS (Functional Movement Screen) is a set of tests that focuses on an athlete\u2019s ability to perform seven specific exercises. These exercises include, for example, the deep squat, active straight leg raise, or shoulder mobility. FMS testing is conducted in the presence of a specialist who evaluates the performance of each exercise on a scale from 3 (perfect execution) to 0 (pain during execution). The scores are then summed and, based on the total score out of a possible 21 points, as well as the results of the individual tests, conclusions regarding possible muscular imbalances are drawn. FMS is a popular method mainly due to its time efficiency and the universality of its results; however, a potential disadvantage of FMS is the subjectivity of the assessment, as two different specialists may assign different scores to the same performance.
Among less frequently used tests in the diagnosis of muscular imbalances are, for example, EMG (electromyography), which examines muscle activity during movement, or the Thomas test for hip flexor flexibility; however, these methods are often more costly (EMG) or lack sufficient reliability (Thomas test). <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/healthprofile.digital\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/unnamed-23.webp\")
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Naturally, an even more effective approach than compensating for muscular imbalances is their prevention, so that they do not occur in the first place. Preventing the development of such imbalances can be supported by proper and regular recovery in the form of stretching or massage, as well as by correcting running technique and ball-kicking technique under the supervision of a qualified coach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n