Hamstring/Quadriceps Strength Ratios in Collegiate Middle-Distance and Distance Runners

In brief: It has been noted that the hamstring/quadriceps isometric strength ratio in men should be approximately 50% to 60%. We studied hamstring/quadriceps strength ratios in collegiate varsity middle-distance runners and found that they varied between.62 at slow speeds of muscle contraction and.87 at faster speeds. These results confirm previous reports that knee flexor/extensor ratios (peak torques) vary with angular joint velocity. Physicians, trainers, and therapists should consider velocities of muscle contraction when determining hamstring/quadriceps strength ratios.