STARTING POSITION AND SPEED UPON KNEE TORQUE OF ATHLETES

Abstract

The function of the knee joint during the stresses of normal and athletic locomotion has been widely studied. The musculature surrounding the knee has been shown to play an important role in the prevention of knee injury as well as in the enhancement of knee function. Clinicians have suggested that preseason evaluation of the knee may identify those at risk for injury. Preseason baseline measures of knee function would also serve as individual goals for rehabilitation should injury occur (Heiser, Weber, Sullivan, Clare, & Jacobs, 1984; Slagle, 1979). Knee evaluations of athletes routinely include the assessment of peak torque of the knee flexors and extensors and the calculation of a hamstrings/quadriceps ratio (HQR). There is a range of ratios reported in the literature with HQR for football players being reported to be about .60 and higher goals recommended for rehabilitation (Campbell & Glenn, 1975; navies et al., 1981; Stafford & Grana, 1984; Wyatt & Edards, 1981).