Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of hip position and angular velocity on quadriceps and hamstring peak torque and on the hamstring/quadriceps (H/Q) ratio during maximal eccentric force. The dominant knee of 14 normal subjects (seven males and seven females) was tested in seated and supine positions at velocities of 60 and 180 deg/sec. Testing was completed using the Kinetic Communicator isokinetic dynamometer (Chattex Corp., Chattanooga, TN) and peak torque was corrected for gravity. The results showed that (a) the quadriceps (p < .001) produced significantly greater peak torque than the hamstrings, (b) both muscle groups produced significantly greater peak torque in the seated position (p < .001) than in the supine position and at 180 deg/sec (p < .05) than at 60 deg/sec, and (c) H/Q ratios were significantly greater in the seated position (p < .01) and at 180 deg/sec (p < .05) than in the supine position and at 60 deg/sec. The findings of this study suggest that the quadriceps and hamstring peak eccentric torque and H/Q ratio are influenced by hip position and angular velocity.