Comparison of hamstring quadriceps strength ratios in different combat sports branches

Background and Study Aim. The hamstring and quadriceps muscles can have strength differences because of the sportive activities. It is known that sportive hamstring quadriceps strength imbalance can cause decreasing sportive performance and injuries. Also, each sports branch can have a specific effect on the hamstring quadriceps strength ratio. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of different combat sports branches on the hamstring quadriceps ratio.  Material and Methods. Wrestlers (N=10), boxers (N=10), wushu athletes (N=10) voluntarily participated in the study (also university students). Subjects were administered standard warm-up and then a strength measurement test was performed. Subjects performed knee extensor (quadriceps) and flexor (hamstring) isokinetic strength test (concentrically) with his dominant leg at 60° angular velocity with by Cybex device (Cybex NORM®. Humac. CA. USA). Peak and average strength were recorded automatically by the device. The SPSS package program was used in the analysis of the data. The isokinetic strength measurements of three groups were analyzed with one-way ANOVA. Results. There were no significant differences between groups’ peak isokinetic strength ratio (wrestlers 0.58±0.09 boxers 0.56±0.07 and wushu athletes 0.57±0.12). Also, the average isokinetic strength ratio was not significantly different (wrestlers 0.56±0.08. boxers 0.60±0.08 and wushu athletes 0.53±0.11). Conclusions. According to the results, it can be said that combat sports athletes' hamstring quadriceps ratio can be affected by their sports branches, also by characteristics and training levels.