Abstract
The goal of the paper is to outline the topography of the strength of major muscle groups and to investigate the flexion:extension ratios in the joints of upper and lower extremities. There are number of papers undertaking different aspects of muscle strength — particularly concerning elbow flexors and knee extensors but there is only limited investigation on a sufficient number of muscle groups of one population, which would make it possible to outline the strength topography. For this purpose, the measurement of static torque of the flexors and extensors of elbow, shoulder, knee and hip joints was carried out. Twenty-two students not practising sport were tested on a Merac machine. Some data of other authors on children and athletes is included for comparison. The relationship between the strength of muscle groups and body mass turned up to be non-linear. The similarities of the strength profile of the student group as compared with selected data of children and athletes are discussed. The flexion:extension ratios in some joints are quite different between groups, which is possibly — among other factors — due to different procedures applied.