QUADRICEPS FEMORIS AND HAMSTRINGS MUSCLE STRENGTH IN RECREATIONAL RUNNERS WITH DIFFERENT HAMSTRINGS MUSCLE LENGTH
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/jsst.2022.7Keywords:
Hamstrings Muscle Length, Muscle Strength, Stretching, Recreational RunnersAbstract
Purpose: The purpose of the study was, to investigate quadriceps femoris and hamstrings muscle strength in different hamstring length groups of recreational runners and, secondly, to examine the association of hamstrings muscle length and knee muscle performance. Materials and Methods: Twenty healthy recreational runners who were healthy and met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Runners hamstring muscle length was assessed using a passive knee extension test and knee muscle strengths was assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. Data of 40 limbs were divided into 3 groups based on the knee range of motion (ROM) results from the passive knee extension test, including group 1: 130°-145° (n=14), group 2: 146°-160° (n=13), and group 3: 161°-180° (n=13). Hamstrings muscle length and knee muscle strength were reported and analyzed using One-way ANOVA was used to compare between groups and using Pearson’s correlation was used to analyze the correlation within groups. Results: Group 2 showed higher value of the hamstrings: quadriceps strength ratio (H:Q ratio), and quadriceps femoris and hamstring muscle performance. Hamstring muscle length exhibited a significantly negative correlation with quadriceps femoris and hamstring muscle strength in the group 3. Conclusion: The study indicates high knee muscle strength in the group 2 which has 146°-160° knee ROM with using a passive knee extension test. In the group 3, a greater 160° knee ROM exhibited poor knee muscle strength. In order to maintain quadriceps femoris and hamstring muscle strength, 146°-160° knee ROM is recommended in recreational runners, which could also be suggested as a rehabilitation goal, especially in runners with poor flexibility of hamstrings muscle.
(Journal of Sports Science and Technology 2022; 22 ((Online Edition))
(Received: 24 November 2021, Revised: 11 April 2022, Accepted: 18 April 2022)
Corresponding author: Pannapa LEEPOKPINYO
Biomechanics and Sport Research Unit,
Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, THAILAND
E-mail: [email protected]
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