Relationships between Hamstrings-to-Quadriceps Ratio and Variables Describing Countermovement and Drop Jumps

Abstract

The impact of the hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio on sport movement performance has not been sufficiently described. However, it seems that in movements involving eccentric-concentric muscular contractions, a higher hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio should have a positive impact on human movement performance. The present study is aimed at identifying relationships between the hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio and variables describing countermovement and drop jumps. The study was carried out in a group of 14 female soccer players. The tests were conducted using a Kistler force plate, an SG electrogoniometer, and the Biodex System 4 Pro dynamometer. Each player performed three countermovement jumps (CMJ) and three drop jumps (DJ) from heights of 15, 30, 45, and 60 cm. The peak torques of knee extensors and flexors were measured in isometric conditions and in isokinetic conditions at angular velocities of 30o/s, 60o/s, 90o/s, and 120o/s. Statistically significant relationships were found between the variables that describe CMJ, DJ 15, DJ 30, and hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio at some, though not all, of the angular velocities measured. No significant relationships were found between the hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio and variables that describe DJ 45 and DJ 60. The heights of CMJ, DJ 15, and DJ 30 were increased with higher hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratios. Analogous relationships were found between the hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio and relative mechanical power during the take-off phase of the CMJ. Significant relationships between the hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio and variables that describe vertical jump are likely to be observed if adequate angular velocity is used in the measurement of muscle torque.

Relationships between Body Build and Knee Joint Flexor and Extensor Torque of Polish First-Division Soccer Players

“…The results of our research indicated particularly muscular thighs, which enable players to generate high muscle torque. This ability is also very important when jumping, kicking, rotating, and changing the velocity of movement [14,17,19]. The harmonious development of limb and torso muscles contributes to maintaining player balance on a slippery field and allows for easier control of the ball [17].…”

“…Numerous studies have focused on the evaluation of the value of muscle torque in relation to lower limbs, which are particularly involved during sports movements. Appropriate force and proportion between antagonistic muscle groups are essential for optimal or maximum performance of various movements, which is also true in team sport games [10][11][12][13][14]. The dependence of force on the transverse cross-sectional area of muscles is known, but it should be noted that force is also affected by other factors related to the efficiency of the nervous system (that controls muscle function) and the properties of the muscles themselves [15].…”

Copers and Noncopers Use Different Landing Techniques to Limit Anterior Tibial Translation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

“… 1 , 31 This may be caused by an imbalance of the quadriceps-to-hamstring ratio, which may result in modified kinematics, kinetics, and ATTd. 2 , 39 It has also been found that residual muscle activity of the medial gastrocnemius and hamstring modulates ATTp. 8 , 26 Fleming et al 19 found that medial gastrocnemius activity increases ATTp, and computer models have shown that hamstring activity reduces ATTd during gait.…”

Neuromuscular Control of Knee Laxity after an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

“…For example, Kvist et al [13] found that there is no correlation between ATTp and ATTd and suggests that this is due to the type of activity, the slope of the tibia plateau, or muscle activation patterns. In line with this suggestion, it is reported that ACL-injured patients with muscle strength asymmetry of the hamstrings or quadriceps showed altered knee mechanics in the sagittal plane [1,38]. Patients after ACLR may compensate for the injury by changes in muscle activation patterns or kinematics.…”

“…In line with the suggestion that knee laxity can be limited by muscle activation patterns in a dynamic situation, it is reported that ACL injured patients with low muscle strength of the quadriceps or large inter-leg hamstrings muscle strength asymmetry show greater movement asymmetry in the sagittal plane [1,31]. This may be due to an imbalance of the quadriceps to hamstring ratio, which may result in modified kinematics, kinetics and ATTd [2,38] Besides, it is found that residual muscle activity of the medial gastrocnemius and hamstrings reduces ATTp [7,26] and computer models have shown that hamstring activity reduces ATTd during gait [37]. As far as known by the authors, no study has been conducted to study in vivo the relation between ATTd and muscle activation patterns.…”