Physical Therapy in Sport
Volume 11, Issue 1 , Pages 12-17, February 2010

Bilateral difference in hamstrings to quadriceps ratio in healthy males and females

  • Pui W. Kong

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Physical Education and Sports Science Academic Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, 1 Nanyang Walk, 637616, Singapore. Tel.: +65 6219 6213; fax: +65 6896 9260.
    • ,
  • Stephen F. Burns

Department of Kinesiology, College of Health Sciences, 1101N. Campbell Street, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, USA

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.

Keywords: Knee, Strength, Rehabilitation, Gender, Isokinetic

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 31.50 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

PII: S1466-853X(09)00100-X

doi:10.1016/j.ptsp.2009.09.004

Physical Therapy in Sport
Volume 11, Issue 1 , Pages 12-17, February 2010

Article Tools

* Image Usage & Resolution