Changes in thigh components and body composition were investigated in 107 young healthy male soccer players with a hypotrophic quadriceps muscle after 4 to 6 weeks (wk) plaster cast immobilization due to knee ligament injuries. They were rehabilitated with intensive muscle training of the hypotrophic muscle conducted three days per wk for 4 wk's. Dynamic, isometric and isokinetic muscle performance variables were evaluated for each leg, separately, before and after the training period. The lean thigh volume increased from 4.47 to 4.99 l (p < 0.001) in the trained leg, and from 5.01 to 5.23 l (p < 0.001) in the control leg. A significant higher fat thigh volume was demonstrated in the trained leg (1.72 versus 1.60 litres, p < 0.001) and no changes occurred in either legs during the training period. A close negative relation between changes in fat volume and lean volume was demonstrated. The quadriceps area in the trained leg increased from 60 to 77cm2 (p < 0.001). the change in muscle size was positively related change in maximum dynamic strength, but not to endurance muscle performances, isometric and isokinetic strength. It was suggested that the regain in muscle function after physical training of the immobilized muscle rest on hypertrophy as well as neural factors increasing the maximum performance level.

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