Comparison of hamstrings to quadriceps ratio between female volleyball players
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Date
2011-02-01
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Physical Therapy Association of Thailand
Abstract
Hamstrings to quadriceps ratio (H/Q ratio) used as an indication of muscle balance. Muscle imbalance is one of the risk factors for ACL injuries. Objective: To compare hamstrings and quadriceps muscles strength and H/Q ratio between female volleyball players and healthy females, and to compare H/Q ratio of female volleyball players to normal values. Methods: Concentric and eccentric muscle peak torque of hamstrings and quadriceps using the isokinetic machine at the angular velocities of 60o and 300o/s in both groups. H/Q ratio (Hcon/Qcon and Hecc/Qcon ratio) was then calculated. The independent sample t-test was used to compare muscle peak torque and H/Q ratio between groups. Furthermore, H/Q ratio of female volleyball players was compared with normal value. Results: Twenty healthy females and twelve female volleyball players (average aged 19.75+/-1.42 and 20.60 +/-1.39 years, and BMI 20.58+/-1.48 and 20.52+/-1.83 kg/m2, respectively) were included in this study. The results demonstrated that hamstrings and quadriceps concentric peak torque at 60o and 300o/s and Hcon/Qcon ratio at 300o/s in female volleyball players were significantly higher than healthy females (p \< 0.05). There were no significant differences (p \> 0.05) in hamstrings and quadriceps eccentric peak torque at 60o/s and 300o/s, and Hcon/Qcon ratio at 60o/s. The Hecc/Qcon ratio at 60o and 300o/s in female volleyball players was significantly less than healthy females (p \< 0.05). Comparison of H/Q ratio between female volleyball players and normal value at the same speed indicated that this group had H/Q ratio less than normal value. Thus, female volleyball players may be at greater risk of ACL injury. Conclusions: Although female volleyball players had significantly higher concentric peak toque compared to healthy females, Hcon/Qcon ratio at 60o/s in both groups was not significantly different. Female volleyball players had weaker hamstrings muscle than quadriceps muscle resulting in lower H/Q ratio than normal value. This indicated increased risk of ACL injury. Therefore, athlete should be trained both eccentric and concentric hamstrings muscle strengthening to prevent ACL injury.
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Citation
Thai Journal of Physical Therapy; Vol 32 No 3 2010; 147-152