Citation

Schlinkman B. J. Orthop. Sports Phys. Ther. 1984; 5(5): 243-245.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1984, Orthopaedic Section and Sports Physical Therapy Section of the American Physical Therapy Association)

DOI

10.2519/jospt.1984.5.5.243

PMID

18806406

Abstract

Three hundred and forty-two male high school football players, ranging in age from 15 to 17, were screened for muscular imbalances and joint abnormalities about the knee using a Cybex II lsokinetic Dynamometer and Cybex Data Reduction Computer. Each player was tested at speeds of 60, 240, 300 degrees , and 300" per second for muscular work. The athletes were classified by position (quarterback, runningback, tight end, wide receiver, linemen, linebacker, and defensive back). Several parameters were reported: peak torque with gravity effect for both extensors and flexors, peak torque to body weight, opposing muscle group ratios, torque acceleration energy, work over a preselected number of repetitions, endurance ratio, and agonist-antagonist work ratios. The purpose of the screening was to provide data beneficial for the prevention of injury from muscular imbalance and joint instability, data useful as clinical guidelines for rehabilitation and return to play, and suggestions for strength training programs. Previous articles have been published showing peak torque, and quadriceps and hamstring ratios, as a means of preventing injury due to muscular imbalance. However, until the introduction of the Cybex(R) Data Reduction Computer, authors had no way of taking the effect of gravity on the lower limb into consideration when presenting their findings. Hamstring-quadricep ratios, once thought to be ideal at 60% or better at 60 degrees per second are now better set at 50 to 55% with gravity effect at 60 per second. The intent of this paper is not to draw any specific conclusions but to present meaningful data for the purpose of preseason screening to prevent injuries and to aid in strength-training programs.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1984;5(5):243-245.

Keywords: American football

Language: en