Normative hamstring-to-quadriceps strength value in elite female basketball, handball and volleyball atletes

Abstract

Introduction: A low H/Q ratio is considered a relevant risk factor for ACL injury due to the reduced capacity for dynamic knee-joint stabilisation. The decline of this value after menarche in contrast to the rise in males makes adolescent girls more susceptible to ACL injuries. The main objective of the study is to determine a normative H/Q ratio value and hamstring and quadriceps strength values in healthy elite youth female basketball, handball and volleyball athletes. Participants: A total of 55 basketball (n=19), handball (n=21) and volleyball (n=15) female athletes were included in the study, all those belonging to the Catalan Technification Centre. Methods: The maximal isometric voluntary muscle contraction (IVMCmax) of quadriceps and hamstring were assessed using a fixed hand-held dynamometer (HHD). (Mark-10 series 3 Digital Force Gauge, Copiague, NY). Results: The H/Q ratio values fluctuates between 0.35 and 0.42, therefore, in accordance with other studies we observe that the pre-established ratio value of 0.6 as an injury risk cut-off point does not reflect all sports, sexes and ages . No statistically significant strength differences were observed by sport or dominance. Furthermore, a significant age effect was observed in relation to the quadriceps normalised strength peak torque (p = 0.02)