The effect of fatigue on the hamstring/quadriceps strength ratio of female football players

This study aims to evaluate the quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength ratios of female football players under resting and fatigued conditions in order to assess potential injury risks. The research was conducted with 8 female athletes, aged between 18 and 25, who actively play football in Konya, Turkey. The participants were tested under both resting and fatigued conditions to assess the changes in eccentric and concentric contraction strength at angular velocities of 60°/s and 180°/s, as well as in hamstring/quadriceps (H/Q) ratios and functional H/Q ratios. All tests were carried out in the laboratory of Selçuk University. To induce fatigue, participants played small-sided 4v4 football games in a 26x34 meter area. The fatigue protocol consisted of three sets, each lasting six minutes, with a three-minute rest period between sets. Isokinetic strength measurements were performed using a Cybex isokinetic dynamometer, and data were collected systematically both before and after the fatigue protocol. As a result of the study, no statistically significant differences were found between resting and fatigued states in the concentric and eccentric strength values of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles, or in the H/Q and functional H/Q ratios (p > 0.05). By focusing on muscle strength ratios in female football players, this research provides new data that may contribute to injury risk assessment. In this context, the findings are expected to guide the development of programs aimed at enhancing individual performance and reducing the risk of injury in athletes. Keywords: Fatigue, Female Football Players, H/Q Ratio, Muscle Strength