The Relationships among Isometric, Isotonic, and Isokinetic Concentric and Eccentric Quadriceps and Hamstring Force and Three Components of Athletic Performance.

This study was supported in part by a grant from the Foundation for Physical Therapy, Inc. The purpose of this study was to compare the relationships among isometric, isotonic, and isokinetic concentric and eccentric quadriceps and hamstring forces and three components of athletic performance in college-aged, male athletes. Bilateral quadriceps and hamstring muscle torque were obtained (N = 39) using a KinCom(R) for concentric (rate at 60 degrees /sec and 180 degrees /sec), eccentric (rate at 30 degrees /sec and 90 degrees /sec), isotonic, and isometric (knee angles at 30 degrees and 60 degrees ) contractions. Athletic performance was assessed using vertical jump performance, 40-yard dash time, and agility run time. The best predictor of 40-yard dash time was the right peak isokinetic concentric hamstring force at 60 degrees /sec (R = .57; p < 0.05). The best predictor of agility run time was the left mean isokinetic eccentric hamstring force at 90 degrees /sec (R = .58; p < 0.05). There were no significant correlations between any quadriceps or hamstring force and vertical jump. It was concluded that isokinetic eccentric quadriceps and hamstring forces were no better predictors of athletic performance than muscle forces assessed in other ways. However, they may be more predictive of some specific components of performance. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1991;14(3):114-120.