EFFECTS OF SPORT TYPE AND ANGULAR VELOCITY ON HAMSTRING TO QUADRICEPS STRENGTH RATIO IN ADOLESCENT FEMALE ATHLETES

Purpose: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the effects of different angular velocities and sport types on hamstring to quadriceps ratio in adolescent female athletes. Methods: 74 adolescent female subjects (soccer: 24, volleyball: 25, physically active subjects: 25) participated in this study. Isokinetic dynamometer (IsoMed (R) 2000 D&R GmbH, Germany) was used for measuring quadriceps and hamstring strength. To calculate the hamstring to quadriceps (H:Q) ratio, the maximum peak torque value of hamstring muscles was divided to maximum peak torque value of quadriceps muscles at 180 degrees/s and 60 degrees/s angular velocities. Results: The interaction between sport type and angular velocity was found significant for H: Q ratio (F(2,148)=3.68, p=0.02). In 180 degrees/s, H: Q ratio was significantly lower in volleyball players when compared to soccer players and physically active subjects (p<0.001). Discussion: As volleyball players had low H: Q ratio, strength training programs for volleyball players should more focus on strength balance of hamstring and quadriceps muscles. Besides, 180 degrees/s angular velocity may be more efficient to reveal the difference of H: Q ratio among athletes doing different sports.