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This study aimed to analyse the effect of age on muscle peak torque (PT), and Hamstring (H): Quadricep (Q) ratio in elite youth footballers. To date, no study has considered age-group playing level and pubertal development in this population. One hundred and fifty-seven elite youth footballers in the age groups U12 to U18 volunteered to participate in this study, 133 of these were further grouped for pubertal development. Prior to testing subjects completed separate familiarisation, a three minute cycle ergometer warm up (resistance 50-60W), and two sub-maximal repetitions. Concentric and eccentric isokinetic PT measures for reps 2-4 of H and Q muscle action were taken at 60 degrees s (-1). From this, conventional and functional H: Q ratio was calculated along with dominant: non dominant ratio for the concentric Q and H, and eccentric H conditions. Significant main effects were observed for the age/pubertal development group and PT in all muscles and conditions (P<0.05). Of particular interest was a significant main effect for age and Functional H: Q (P<0.05), which suggested a move away from equality at U18. Our study provides normative data for coaches, trainers and clinicians working with youth footballers and may also have connotations for injury prevention and performance.

Objective-To develop and test a cardiac prevention and rehabilitation programme for achieving sustained lifestyle, risk factor, and therapeutic targets in patients presenting for the first time with exertional angina, acute coronary syndromes, or coronary revascularisation. Design-A descriptive study. Setting-A hospital based 12 week outpatient programme. Interventions-A multiprofessional family based programme of lifestyle and risk factor modification. Main outcome measures-Non-smoking status, body mass index, blood pressure, plasma cholesterol, use of prophylactic drugs. Results-158 patients (82% of 194 possible cases) were recruited over 15 months, with 72% completing the programme. Targets for achieving non-smoking status, blood pressure < 140/90 mm Hg, and total cholesterol < 4.8 mmol/l were achieved in 92%, 73%, and 62%, respectively, and the proportion on aspirin, blockers, and lipid lowering treatment was 95%, 58%, and 64% on referral back to general practice for continuing care. Conclusions-A comprehensive cardiac prevention and rehabilitation programme can be oVered to all patients presenting for the first time with coronary heart disease, including those with exertional angina who are normally managed in primary care. Lifestyle, risk factor, and therapeutic targets can be successfully achieved in most patients with such a hospital based programme. (Heart 2001;85:533-538)

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