Comparison of isokinetic strength and flexibility measures between hamstring injured and noninjured athletes

The purpose of this study was to compare isokinetic strength and flexibility measures between hamstring injured and noninjured athletes. Sixteen university athletes with history of hamstring injury were matched by motor dominance, sport, and position to sixteen university athletes without history of hamstring injury. Each subject was tested for concentric and eccentric quadriceps and hamstring peak torque and reciprocal muscle group ratios on a Kinetic Communicator(R) (KIN-COM) dynamometer at 60 degrees /sec and 180 degrees /sec. Each subject's hamstring flexibility was determined by passively extending the knee while the hip was maintained at 90 degrees of flexion. Analysis of variance indicated that the injured extremity was significantly less flexible than the noninjured extremity within the hamstring injured group, and the hamstring injured group was less flexible than the noninjured group. No significant strength differences existed between the hamstring injured and noninjured group on any isokinetic measure evaluated. The importance of assessing hamstring flexibility is emphasized. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1991;13(3):118-125.