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Quadriceps and Hamstrings Strength in Athletes

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Hamstring and Quadriceps Injuries in Athletes

Abstract

Quadriceps and hamstrings strength is usually quantified by the peak torque during maximal voluntary isokinetic contractions. Ratios of peak torque are used to assess limb asymmetry and compare hamstrings strength relative to quadriceps strength. Peak torque is affected by the mode and speed of testing, and it is important to consider whether or not to normalize peak torque (e.g., to body mass). Positive, but moderate correlations were observed between knee strength and triple hop distance and between knee strength and hip strength in a population of collegiate freshmen football players. No significant correlations were observed between knee strength and Functional Movement Screen™ performance, or between limb symmetry indices based on different strength and functional tests. Deficiencies in quadriceps and hamstrings strength may increase the risk of lower extremity injuries, but large prospective studies are needed to determine which measures of strength are the best predictors for specific injuries and to optimize injury prevention strategies.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. OSU Sports Health and Performance Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 2050 Kenny Road, Suite 3100, Columbus, OH, 43221, USA

    Nienke W. Willigenburg PhD

  2. Department of Orthopaedics, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 2050 Kenny Road, Suite 3100, Columbus, OH, 43220, USA

    Michael P. McNally MS

  3. Department of Sports Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 2050 Kenny Road, Suite 3100, Columbus, OH, 43221, USA

    Timothy E. Hewett PhD

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  1. Nienke W. Willigenburg PhD
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  2. Michael P. McNally MS
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  3. Timothy E. Hewett PhD
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Correspondence to Timothy E. Hewett PhD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Judson Wilson Professor of Orthopedics, Director of Sports Medicine, Departments of Orthopedics and and Sports Medicine, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA

    Christopher C. Kaeding

  2. Associate Clinical Professor, Departments of Family Medicine and Sports Medicine, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA

    James R. Borchers

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Willigenburg, N.W., McNally, M.P., Hewett, T.E. (2014). Quadriceps and Hamstrings Strength in Athletes. In: Kaeding, C., Borchers, J. (eds) Hamstring and Quadriceps Injuries in Athletes. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-7510-2_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-7510-2_2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4899-7509-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4899-7510-2

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