Functional hamstrings: Quadriceps ratios in elite women's soccer players

Nathaniel D.M. Jenkins, Matthew J. Hawkey, Pablo B. Costa, Ryan E. Fiddler, Brennan J. Thompson, Eric D. Ryan, Doug Smith, Eric J. Sobolewski, Eric C. Conchola, Kazuma Akehi, Joel T. Cramer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

We compared starters and non-starters for various isokinetic strength variables in elite women's soccer players. A convenience sample of 10 starters (mean ± s; age = 20 ± 2 years; height = 170 ± 4 cm; body mass = 65 ± 5 kg) and 7 non-starters (age = 20 ± 1 years; height = 164 ± 3 cm; body mass = 63 ± 4 kg) performed maximal voluntary muscle actions of the leg extensors (concentric) and flexors (eccentric) on an isokinetic dynamometer in order to measure concentric peak torque for the leg extensors, eccentric peak torque for the leg flexors, and the functional hamstrings:quadriceps (H:Q) ratio at 1.047 rad · s-1 and 4.189 rad · s-1 concentric peak torque for the leg extensors was not different between starters and non-starters. However, it was greater at 1.047 rad · s-1 than at 4.189 rad · s-1 in both groups. Eccentric peak torque for the leg flexors was greater for the starters versus non-starters at 4.189 rad · s-1. Eccentric strength of the leg flexors at fast movement velocities may be used as an effective physiological profile and may discriminate between playing status in elite women's soccer players.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)612-617
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Sports Sciences
Volume31
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2013

Keywords

  • athletic performance
  • eccentric hamstring strength
  • female
  • hamstring-to-quadriceps
  • isokinetic testing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

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