Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to find out the level of H:Q ratio and differences in terms of age and limb dominance. METHODS: Elite players of 4 age categories (U16=16, U17=18, U18=17 and U19=19) were tested on the isokinetic dynamometer Cybex at three velocities (60, 180, 300 o.s-1) for the dominant (DL) and non-dominant leg (NL) during the knee flexion and extension.
The ratio between peak muscle torque of hamstring to quadriceps for both legs (HD:QD; HN:QN) was evaluated. Three-way Mixed-design ANOVA with two between subject effect (age (A), laterality (L)) and one within subject effect (velocity) was used for evaluation of H:Q differences between the factors.
RESULTS: The factors of A and L do not significantly influence the level of H:Q in young elite players (age: F(3.132) = 1.07, p>0.05, η2=0.024, laterality: F(1.132) = 0.278, p>0.05, η2=0.002). Similarly, the effect of interaction between A and L was not significant (p>0.05).
With increasing angular velocity, significant changes in H:Q ratio appeared (H:Q60 = 56.80, HQ180=60.83, HQ300=61.75, F(1.132) = 32.71, p0.05). Totally, 44 risk results of H:Q (24 for DL and 20 for NL) were identified in 23 players (32.9%).
CONCLUSION Neither calendar age, nor limb dominance have significant impact on the level of H:Q ratio in young elite players, on the contrary, the speed of the movement during knee flexion and extension has a significant effect. In the individual assessment, we have revealed strength asymmetries that should be eliminated by means of appropriate sports training.