Warner-Bull, Lucy (2025) The Influence of Biological Maturity on Hamstring:Quadricep Ratios and Asymmetries in Male Academy Footballers. Masters thesis, York St John University.
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Abstract
Aim
The apparentness of inter-limb muscular asymmetries and intra-limb muscular imbalances within an adolescent population is currently under-researched. Failure to address such impairments may have substantial implications regarding both injury and performance presentations. This study aims to explore the impact of biological maturation (status and timing) on both knee extension (KE) and flexion (KF) peak isometric force asymmetries, alongside Hamstring:Quadricep (H:Q) ratios, within academy footballers.
Method
Forty-six adolescent academy footballers (aged 11-16) were examined, with players subsequently categorised based on their maturity status. The Khamis-Roche method was used to classify players into maturity groups, with the thresholds of <88%, 88-96%, and >96% of peak adult height corresponding to the periods of pre-, circa-, and post-peak height velocity. Isometric strength was recorded, with all players performing two prone isometric KE and KF contractions within a single session.
Results
Biological maturity had no significant impact on strength asymmetries for both KE and KF and H:Q ratios produced, yet, peak isometric strength was shown to increase significantly with maturity. Concerning the entire group, no difference in the extent of KE compared to KF asymmetry levels were produced but a significant difference was demonstrated between left and right H:Q ratio values. Injury data showed that the thigh exhibited the greatest injury incidence rate across the 2024/25 season, providing a rationale to focus on KE and KF peak isometric strength.
Conclusion
As biological maturation had no significant impact on asymmetries or H:Q ratios produced, clinicians should focus on the entire group when minimising inter-limb asymmetries and developing hamstring strength rather than focusing on a particular maturity group. Additionally, the absence of maturational differences suggests that other factors responsible for altered asymmetries and H:Q ratios should be further investigated. Due to the novelty of this study, future research is needed to solidify findings.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Subjects: | G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV0557 Sports G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV0861-1017 Ball games: football, etc. |
| School/Department: | School of Science, Technology and Health |
| URI: | https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/12550 |
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