GENDER DIFFERENCES IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN QUADRICEPS MVIC AND HAMSTRING TO QUADRICEPS RATIO

No previous research has evaluated the relationship between degree of Q activation and its’ effect on H:Q ratio, despite the fact that Q dominance and low H:Q ratios are thought to increase the risk of H and ACL injury (Baratta et al., 1988; Hewitt et al., 2001). Compared to males, females may be at greater risk, due to higher Q co-activation (Colliander and Tesch, 1989; White et al., 2003). The purpose of this study was to evaluate gender differences in the relationship between Q activation and it’s effect on H:Q ratios

ELECTROMYOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS OF HAMSTRING RESISTANCE TRAINING EXERCISES

This study evaluated the EMG activity of the hamstring and quadriceps muscle groups during resistance training exercises commonly used for training the hamstrings. Subjects included 34 collegiate athletes. Hamstring and quadriceps MVIC and 6 repetition maximum loads were determined. Data were collected 72 hours later, during the performance of 6 randomly ordered exercises, including back squats, seated leg curls, stiff leg dead lifts, single leg dead lifts, good mornings, and “Russian curls.” Data were analyzed using RMS values normalized to MVIC. A one way repeated measures ANOVA revealed that significant differences existed between several exercises. Additionally, the ratio of hamstring to quadriceps co-activation was significantly different between all exercises