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The impact of joint angle and movement velocity on sex differences in the functional hamstring/quadriceps ratio
Mark De Ste Croix1, Youssif O ElNagar1, John Iga2
1Exercise and Sport Research Centre, School of Sport and Exercise, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Gloucestershire, UK.
Background:
Females are two to eight times more likely to suffer a non-contact injury compared with males thus the purpose of this study was to explore the influence of joint angle and movement velocity on sex differences in the functional hamstring to quadriceps ratio (H/QFUNC).
Methods:
Isokinetic concentric and eccentric torque were determined in 110 participants (55 males and 55 females) through a 90° range of movement at 60, 120, and 240°/s. Testing was performed with the hip flexed at 10°. The H/QFUNC was determined at three specific joint angles (15, 30 and 45° flexion) and where peak torque occurred for concentric knee extension.
Results:
A significant interaction effect (P<0.01) for sex and joint angle was observed with women demonstrating a lower H/QFUNC than males, especially at more extended knee positions. A significant sex by velocity interaction (P<0.01) indicated a lower H/QFUNC in women as velocity increased. Significant main effects (P<0.01) indicated that irrespective of sex the H/QFUNC increased as the knee extends and velocity increases.
Conclusion:
Given the reduced H/QFUNC in females compared to males at more extended knee positions and faster velocities, this may contribute to the observed sex bias in reported injury rates.