PEAK TORQUE OF QUADRICEPS AND HAMSTRING MUSCLES IN BASKETBALL AND SOCCER PLAYERS OF DIFFERENT DIVISIONS

Basketball and soccer are two games with different training and playin g procedures, The purpose of this study was to examine the maximal vol untary peak torques of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles, and the t orque ratio between these muscle groups in basketball players (n=61) a nd soccer players (n=51) participating in teams of different divisions , Isokinetic peak torques were measured using the Cybex II isokinetic dynamometer at 60 and 180 degrees . s(-1). Basketball players of the n ational team produced higher peak torque values of quadriceps muscles than the other basketball players of different divisions (p<0,05 to p< 0.001). Hamstring peak torques of the national basketball team were si gnificantly higher the only velocities measured compared with the play ers from division II and IV (p<0.05). Peak torque values of quadriceps muscles relative to body weight were significantly higher in the nati onal basketball team compared with basketball players from division I, No significant differences were found in peak torque values of quadri ceps and hamstring muscles within the different basketball and soccer divisions, Peak torque expressed in absolute terms was significantly h igher in basketball players than in soccer players (p<0,05 to p<0,001) , Holvever, these differences were not significant when the strength o f quadriceps and hamstring muscles was expressed relative to body weig ht, The WQ ratio did not differ either ditto among the different divis ions of basketball and soccer players, Based on the data obtained in t his study, H e concluded that the subjects' body weight have a decisiv e effect on the production of peak torque values of quadriceps and ham string muscles in basketball and soccer players, Furthermore that the playing in different divisions, as well as participating in different sports, i.e, basketball or soccer, have surprisingly small effects on the peak isokinetic torque production of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles.