The difference of HQ ratio and knee peak torque between the lower and higher mileage runners
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/jsst.2021.6Keywords:
H:Q ratio, Runners, Muscular balance, Risk of knee injuryAbstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the difference of H:Q ratio and peak torque between recreational runners with lower and higher mileage per week. Methods: Twenty-three healthy recreational runners (Male = 12 and female = 11) of physical therapy center running project age between 26 – 52 years (mean ± SD: 40.52 ± 8.38) were allocated to the “higher-mileage” group (> 32 km/week; n = 14) and to the “lower-mileage” group (< 25 km/week; n = 9) in 2018-2019. The performance of the knee muscles was tested by isokinetic dynamometer at angular velocity of 60, 120 and 180 degrees per second (º/s). The results of H:Q ratio and peak torque were analyzed with Independent-T Test and Mann-Whitney U to compare the data between the groups. Results: Runner group with higher-mileage demonstrated a higher H:Q ratio than the group with lower-mileage at all angular velocities. At an angular velocity of 180º/s, the group with higher-mileage showed significantly higher H:Q ratio than the group with lower-mileage (p <0.05). No significant difference of peak torque was observed between both groups. Conclusion: Running with a cumulative distance of > 32 km/week seems to approximate the normative quadriceps and hamstring muscle balance (The normal H:Q ratio is considered to be 60%). The H:Q ratio is likely to be normal in runner group with higher-mileage compared with the lower mileage group. When health professionals determine for running distance accumulation, the current findings could be used as a guidance in running rehabilitation.
(Journal of Sports Science and Technology 2021; 21(1):68-78)
(Received: 18 April 2021, Revised: 7 June 2021, Accepted: 7 June 2021)
KEYWORDS: H:Q ratio / Runners / Muscular balance / Risk of knee injury
*Corresponding author: Wannapong IMTANABUT
Biomechanics and Sports Research unit,
Faculty of Physical therapy, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand 73170
E-mail: wannapong.imt@mahidol.ac.th
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