EFFECT OF FEMUR LENGTH ON QUADRICEPS AND HAMSTRING ISOKINETIC STRENGTH PROPERTIES ACCORDING TO GENDER

Abstract

Purpose: This study was carried out to determine the relationship between femur length, quadriceps and hamstring strength and endurance in individuals who are active in daily life but do not do regular sports. Methods: 43 women (mean age: 34.60 years) and 47 men (mean age: 34.95 years) volunteers participated in the study. The femoral length and isokinetic muscle strength characteristics of the participants were measured. In addition, physical activity levels were evaluated with short form of the International Physical Activity Form (IPAQ). Results : Q and H peak torque, peak torque/body weight, total work, total work/body weight, Hamstring/Quadriceps ratio were found to be higher in males (p<0.01). According to Spearman correlation analysis, a positive correlation was found between femur length and knee extensor muscle strength, muscle endurance, peak torque/body weight, total work/body weight in women (p<0.05). On the other hand, a positive correlation was found between femur length and total work at only 60 degrees/sec speed in men (p<0.05). Conclusion: As a result, it was seen that men were more advantageous than women in terms of muscle strength, muscular endurance and muscle strength per kilogram. In addition, it was concluded that with the increase of the H/Q ratio, knee joint stability increased and the risk of injury decreased in men. It was observed that women with longer femur lengths were more advantageous in terms of muscle strength than short ones, and especially their knee extensor muscles were stronger and more durable. In men, longer femur length was associated with muscular endurance rather than muscle strength. As a result, it was concluded that having a long femur length provides an advantage in terms of muscle strength and endurance.