Effect of testing position and angular velocity on agonist/antagonist ratios of hip muscles.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The moment generated by a muscle is influenced, among other factors, by the angular velocity and the testing position. However, the effect of these factors on hip muscles’ agonist/antagonist ratios is not well understood. The main purpose of this study was to analyze this effect in a group of apparently healthy women and men. METHODS: Sixteen women and 24 men, aged 21-25 years participated in this study. The isokinetic concentric hip flexor/extensor (F/E) and adductor/abductor (AD/AB) strength ratios were calculated based on testing in supine and standing positions for the flexors and extensors) and side-lying and standing positions (for the adductors and abductors) tested at 60 and 180°/s. RESULTS: For both genders the isokinetic moment of hip muscles decreased with increased angular velocity and the highest moments were observed in standing position. A significant interaction of position, angular velocity, and gender was observed (p < 0.05), which indicated that men experienced greater increases in F/E and AD/AB ratios in standing position at 180°, whereas women demonstrated lower ratios in the same position. CONCLUSION: Isokinetic tests of the hip muscles ratios: F/E and AD/AB in standing and in sitting indicate that the test position and gender have a significant effect on the test findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]