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Excerpt
The purpose of the current investigation was to compare the quadriceps to hamstring ratio (QH ratio) in elite female collegiate skiers and basketball players and a group of matched controls. The literature suggests that a QH ratio >60% is a safe guideline for injury prevention. 25 females were recruited, 10 basketball players, 7 skiers, and 8 controls. Strength in the quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups was assessed during flexion and extension through 90deg at 60deg/sec. After a 5 rep warm up each subject performed 5 max reps on each leg. Mean data±SD for extension and QH ratio for both legs are presented in the table. Basketball players had a significantly higher QH ratio versus skiers and controls (P<.05). Athletes were significantly stronger than controls (P<.05). Work performed as a percent of body mass was 100% for controls, 108% for skiers and 97% for basketball players. Basketball players were significantly heavier and taller than their female counterparts. These results are surprising in that one would expect much better QH scores in athletes whose sport requires excessive leg strength. Our results suggest that skiers may be at higher risk for injury due to low QH ratio than was previously considered. This study has implications for increased development of the hamstrings muscle group.
