Effect of resistance training in the improvement of hamstrings to quadriceps (H:Q) strength ratio in males and females

Objective. The purpose of this study was to examine the change in hamstrings to quadriceps (H:Q) strength ratio between males and females following a 12-week resistance training program.;Design and Setting. We used a pretest-posttest experimental design to determine the amount of change produced by the training intervention in males and females. Isokinetic testing was performed on a Biodex System 3 isokinetic machine at 30°/sec, 60°/sec, 180°/sec and 240°/sec angular velocities, both before and after a 12-week training program.;Subjects. Twenty eight (14 male, 14 female) university recreationally active volunteers.;Variables. The dependent variables of interest were the conventional and functional hamstring to quadriceps (H:Q) strength ratios.;Results. Both males and females increased their isokinetic strength of hamstrings and quadriceps at all angular velocities following resistance training program. A comparison of percent increase in conventional H:Q ratio following training revealed significant statistical differences (p< 0.05) at 30°/sec with females increasing their ratio by 66% and males by 15%. Functionally, there was a significant difference (p≤ 0.05) in percent increase between males and females at 30°/sec, 60°/sec and 180°/sec angular velocities with females increasing their H:Q ratio at greater percentage than males.;Conclusion. The findings of this study showed that with similar resistance training females increased their strength ratios at greater percent than males.