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HAMSTRINGS TO QUADRICEPS PEAK TORQUE RATIOS DEPENDENT ON ANGULAR VELOCITY IN MALE COLLEGE RUGBY ATHLETES

Abstract

Kyle Sunderland, Paige Sutton, Lochlan Charley, Amanda Ware and Ava Denner

Lindenwood University, St. Charles, MO

Decreased hamstrings strength relative to quadriceps strength (H:Q) is a potential risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. PURPOSE: To determine the H:Q at varying angular velocities in male college rugby athletes. METHODS: Thirty-eight male college rugby athletes volunteered for this study. Concentric peak torques were utilized to determine H:Q for both legs by isokinetic dynamometry at 60 deg/s, 180 deg/s, 240 deg/s and 300 deg/s. RESULTS: There was no significant interaction for H:Q between legs at different angular velocities (p=0.134). There was no significant main effect between the legs (p=0.063). However, there was a significant main effect for angular velocity (p<0.001). Post-hoc analysis revealed that H:Q was significantly lower at 60 deg/s (49.5 ± 7.8%) compared to all other velocities (54.9 ± 9.4%, 56.5 ± 12.1% and 56.7 ± 11.9% for 180 deg/s, 240 deg/s and 300 deg/s, respectively). CONCLUSION: These results may indicate a lower ACL injury risk as higher velocities more closely mimic sporting activities. However, the lack of further increases beyond 180 deg/s may indicate an opportunity for improved training in these male rugby athletes as previous reports have shown increased (>60%) H:Q ratios at high angular velocities in male college athletes.

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