Effect of Sports and Growth on Hamstrings and Quadriceps Development in Young Female Athletes: Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Context: Lower extremity muscular strength may vary by different sport participation during growth process. Objective: To investigate effect of sport participation and growth by comparing strength of the hamstrings, quadriceps, and hamstrings to quadriceps strength ratio (H:Q ratio) between young female figure skaters and soccer players. Design: Cross-sectional. Settings: Laboratory affiliated with regional sports medicine center. Participants: pediatric and adolescent female athletes. Procedures: Isometric hamstrings and quadriceps strength were measured. Main Outcome Measures: Strength of the hamstrings, quadriceps, and hamstrings to quadriceps strength ratio (H:Q ratio). Statistical Analysis: Effect of sport participation and growth was analyzed through a two-way (two sports: figure skaters and soccer players; three age groups: <12 years, 13–16 years, and >17 years) analysis of covariance. Results: Hamstrings strength was significantly greater in figure skaters than soccer players. Also, hamstring strength of 13–16 years and >17 years was higher compared to <12 years. Additionally, significantly higher H:Q ratio in figure skaters compared to soccer players. Conclusions: There is effect of growth on hamstrings strength among 13–16 years and >17 years compared to <12 years. Figure skaters showed greater hamstrings strength and H:Q ratio than female soccer players.

Eccentric Resistance Training in Youth: Perspectives for Long-Term Athletic Development

“…Inclusion of ERT exercises within an injury prevention program (IPP) is advocated across a number of youth sports [ 243 , 244 , 245 , 246 , 247 ]. Although hamstrings strength has been shown to develop throughout all stages of youth [ 248 , 249 , 250 , 251 , 252 , 253 , 254 , 255 , 256 , 257 ], it is important to ensure that it is specifically trained throughout and begun early on in childhood to reduce future risk. This is particularly essential for girls as it has been shown that insufficient hamstrings strength is evident in childhood [ 190 , 258 ].…”

Balance Error Scoring System Performance Differences in Figure Skaters Based on Discipline

“…2 Investigators have identified greater hamstring strength and hamstrings to quadriceps strength ratios in female figure skaters compared to female soccer players. 3 Trunk flexion and extension forces while standing and were higher in an athlete sample, including figure skaters, that was evaluated against a nonathlete group. 4 In junior elite figure skaters, knee extension strength was positively correlated to single axel and double axel height.…”