Isokinetic leg flexion and extension strength of university football players.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference between positions for absolute and relative isokinetic leg flexion and extension strength as well as ipsilateral and bilateral ratios of NCAA Division II university football players. Fifty-five players (19.8 +/- 1.4 years) volunteered to be measured using a Cybex IP dynamometer at 180 and 300 degrees /sec. The players were grouped into four positions: offensive backs and receivers (OB), offensive linemen (OL), defensive linemen (DL), and defensive backs (DB). One-way ANOVA with Scheffe post hoc comparisons indicated that for absolute flexion and extension strength the linemen (OL and DL) tended to be stronger than the backs (06 and DB); however, these relationships were reversed (backs were stronger than linemen) when differences in body weight were considered (peak torque/body weight). There were no significant (p < 0.05) differences between positions for ipsilateral comparisons at 180 or 300 degrees /sec. However, the magnitude of the ratio was specific to the speed of contraction. Significant differences between positions were found for bilateral strength ratios measured at 180 degrees /sec; however, all values were within 7% of equity and therefore were of little physiological consequence.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1988;9(11):365-369.