Bilateral difference in hamstrings to quadriceps ratio in healthy males and females
Received 11 March 2009; received in revised form 29 July 2009; accepted 17 September 2009. published online 23 October 2009.
Abstract
Objective
To compare the isometric and isokinetic hamstrings to quadriceps (H:Q) ratio 1) between the dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) legs, and 2) between healthy males and females.
Design
Cross-sectional.
Setting
University research laboratory. Quadriceps and hamstrings strength were assessed by maximum isometric contractions at six angles (40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, 90°) and concentric contractions at three angular velocities (60°s−1, 180°s−1, 300°s−1).
Participants
Forty physically active adults (25 males).
Main outcome measures
Peak isometric and isokinetic torques of the quadriceps and hamstrings, and the corresponding H:Q ratios.
Results
Isometric H:Q ratio increased with greater knee extension (P<0.001), with overall a higher ratio in the D leg (P<0.001). Isokinetic H:Q ratio increased with angular velocity (P<0.001), with a higher ratio in the D leg (P<0.05). Neither isometric nor isokinetic H:Q ratios differed between males and females.
Conclusions
When setting rehabilitation goals, it may be appropriate to adjust the H:Q ratio and leg strength based on the uninvolved leg with consideration of leg dominance. Gender-related differences do not explain the discrepancy in the literature regarding bilateral differences in the H:Q ratio. Other subject characteristics such as age and training may be more relevant.
ABSTRACT