Relationship between Hamstring Muscle Thickness and Knee Flexion Torque and Rate of Torque Development

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between hamstring muscle thickness and knee flexion peak torque, and rate of torque development (RTD) calculated during 0–50 ms (RTD50) and 0–200 ms (RTD200). Methods: Thirty-six active individuals’ dominant side hamstring thickness were measured using portable ultrasound device. Participants performed maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVIC) of knee flexion. Peak torque was identified as the maximum torque during MVIC testing. RTD was calculated initial 50 ms and 200 ms after the onset of joint torque. Pearson’s correlation (r) coefficients were utilized to assess relationships between muscle thickness and knee flexion peak torque, RTD50 and RTD200. The significant level of hypothesis verification is set-up as α=0.05. Results: Greater peak torque and RTD200 was associated with greater muscle thickness of semitendinosus and semimembranosus (p<0.05). Greater RTD50 was associated with greater muscle thickness of semitendinosus only. Biceps femoris thickness was not associated with knee flexion peak torque, RTD50, and RTD200. Conclusion: These results suggest that the training specific hamstring muscle (medial hamstrings) for improving muscle thickness would be effective for increasing knee flexion peak torque and RTD.