Predictive leg strength values in immediately prepubescent and postpubescent athletes.

Sixty healthy, athletic children were treated on a Cybex II Dynamometer to obtain values for the relative strengths of the major muscle groups of the lower extremity. Prepubescent and postpubescent boys and girls were tested. Of the anthropometric parameters measured, lean body weight correlated best with maximal torque force development. In prepubescent children, the mean maximal quadriceps torque force, measured in foot-pounds at 60 deg/sec, is equal to 70% of the lean body weight. In postpubescent subjects, the mean peak quadriceps torque equalled 80% of the lean body weight in girls and 90% of the lean body weight in boys. Correlations can be established between the maximal torque force generated by the quadriceps and the strength of the hamstrings, ankle dorsiflexors, and plantar flexors. The values obtained are useful in planning training and rehabilitation programs and in determining when an injured young athlete can safely return to his or her sport.