Effect of Dominance On The Isometric Hamstring Muscle Length In Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Background: The knee is frequently prone to traumatic and degenerative afflictions and hence is a common site of pain requiring physical therapy interventions. During the process of rehabilitation, comparisons are usually made with the contralateral knee vis-à-vis the knee muscle torques as a criterion reference. In order to validate this practice, is necessary to determine to what extent a pre-injury difference exists between the limbs of otherwise normal subjects. Objective: The purpose of this study was to provide isometric strength data of hamstring muscles in healthy subject and to investigate the effect of dominance on it. Method: Eighty normal male undergraduate subjects with mean age of 23.5 ± 2.14years (range 20-29) were exposed to isometric muscular strength measurement of the hamstring muscles. The thigh muscle bulk, limb length and leg length were also measured. Results: The result showed that dominance has effect on the isometric muscular strength of the lower limb when classified as dominant or non-dominant, strong or weak and right or left. There was also significant effect of dominance on muscle bulk. Significant correlation was found between muscle strength, muscle bulk and body weight. No correlation was found between muscle strength and leg length. Age has no effect on the strength. Conclusion: This study suggests that in gross comparisons only, pre-injury significance exists between contralateral limbs. KEYWORDS: Isometric hamstring muscle strength, dominance leg, leg length, muscle bulk.