Isokinetic assessment of agonist and antagonist strength ratios in collegiate taekwondo athletes: a preliminary study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the gender differences in isokinetic hamstring to quadriceps (H/Q) and hip abductor to adductor (AB/AD) strength ratios at different angular velocities in collegiate taekwondo athletes. Thirty collegiate taekwondo athletes (15 females and 15 males) participated in this study. Maximal isokinetic hamstring and quadriceps strengths were measured at different angular velocity (60° s−1, 120° s−1, and 240° s−1) with isokinetic dynamometer (Cybex 770, USA). They also performed five isokinetic hip abductor and adductor contractions at 30° s−1, and 60° s−1 on a following day. Female athletes showed significantly lower in H/Q peak torque ratios than male athletes at 60° s−1 (right and left, p < 0.05) and 120° s−1 (right and left, p < 0.05). This difference was disappeared at high angular velocity (240° s−1) when female athletes significantly increased the H/Q peak torque ratio as angular velocity increased (right and left, p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in hip AB/AD peak torque ratios between male and female. This preliminary study revealed that female taekwondo athletes show lower H/Q peak torque ratio than male athletes at slow angular velocity. The previous studies suggest that lower H/Q peak torque ratio could increase the potential risk of lower limb injuries especially female TKD athletes. Therefore, applications of additional training specially designed for strengthening hamstring muscles are recommended in clinical setting.