Student Type

Undergraduate

College Affiliation

College of Science, Technology, and Health

Department

Kinesiology

Submission Type

Poster

Abstract

Decreased hamstrings strength relative to quadriceps strength (H:Q) is a potential risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The purpose was to determine the H:Q at varying angular velocities in male college rugby athletes. Thirty-eight male college rugby athletes volunteered for this study. Concentric peak torques were utilized to determine H:Q in the dominant leg with isokinetic dynamometry at 60 deg/s, 180 deg/s, 240 deg/s and 300 deg/s. There was no significant difference among position groups in peak torques, regardless of speed. H:Q was significantly lower at 60 deg/s compared to all other velocities. While H:Q does beneficially increase from 60 deg/s to 180 deg/s, the lack of further increases beyond 180 deg/s may indicate a potential injury risk. Previous reports have shown increased (>60%) H:Q ratios at high angular velocities in male college athletes. These results provide potential for improved training to reduce ACL injury risk.

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Hamstrings to Quadriceps Peak Torque Ratios are Similar Between Positions in Male College Rugby Athletes

Decreased hamstrings strength relative to quadriceps strength (H:Q) is a potential risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The purpose was to determine the H:Q at varying angular velocities in male college rugby athletes. Thirty-eight male college rugby athletes volunteered for this study. Concentric peak torques were utilized to determine H:Q in the dominant leg with isokinetic dynamometry at 60 deg/s, 180 deg/s, 240 deg/s and 300 deg/s. There was no significant difference among position groups in peak torques, regardless of speed. H:Q was significantly lower at 60 deg/s compared to all other velocities. While H:Q does beneficially increase from 60 deg/s to 180 deg/s, the lack of further increases beyond 180 deg/s may indicate a potential injury risk. Previous reports have shown increased (>60%) H:Q ratios at high angular velocities in male college athletes. These results provide potential for improved training to reduce ACL injury risk.

 

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