Reference values for hamstring and quadriceps strengths in apparently healthy young individuals

Background: This paper highlights an essential need for population-specific databases on muscle performance parameters due to the expected ethnic differences and other variability factors. In order to address the issue of the lack of these vital normative data in developing countries, the study reported here was meant to determine the reference values for hamstring and quadriceps strengths in apparently healthy young Nigerian individuals. Methods: A cross-sectional study recruited 194 apparently healthy participants aged 18-35 years. The participants were clustered into four age categories (<20 years; 21-25 years; 26-30 years and 31-35 years). Anthropometric measurements (weight, height and body mass index) were taken following the standard guidelines. A pocket balance and a cable tensiometer were used for hamstrings strength and quadriceps strength measurements, respectively. The Hamstring-Quadriceps (H/Q) Strength ratio was calculated.  Descriptive statistics of the mean and the standard deviation, and the percentiles summarize the data collected. T-test inferential statistics, an ANOVA test, and the Pearson’s correlation coefficient were applied in the analysis of the data. The alpha level was p≤0.05. Results: The mean hamstring and quadriceps strengths recorded were 25.83Kg and 44.18Kg, respectively. The mean hamstring and quadriceps strengths of the male participants were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of the female participants. Also, the mean hamstring and quadriceps strengths differed significantly (p<0.05) across the age categories except for the H/Q ratio, which showed no significant difference (p>0.05).  Conclusion: This study has provided reference values for hamstring and quadriceps strengths of apparently healthy young Nigerians.