Isokinetic strength of the quadriceps and hamstrings in professional handball players

Authors

  • Nikolina Gerdijan Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, University of Banja Luka, BIH.
  • Tamara Karalić Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, University of Banja Luka, BIH.
  • Igor Balać Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, University of Banja Luka, BIH.
  • Ratko Pavlović Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, University of East Sarajevo, BIH.
  • Siniša Nikolić Institute for Physical Medicine, Rehab. and Orthopedic Surgery "Dr. Miroslav Zotović" Banja Luka, BIH.
  • Adriana Ljubojević Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, University of Banja Luka, BIH.
  • Željko Vukić Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, University of Banja Luka, BIH.
  • Nikola Radulović Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Serbia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6018/sportk.695321
Keywords: Handball, Isokinetic Testing, Hamstring, Quadriceps, Imbalance

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the strength of the left and right hamstring and the quadriceps muscle group in professional handball players. It also aimed to assess the statistical significance of the relationship between these two muscle groups. The study included eight professional handball players from the "Borac" team, Banja Luka. Standard anthropometric measurements were taken. The following variables were assessed: maximum quadriceps torque (MQT), maximum hamstring torque (MHT), and hamstring–quadriceps ratio (HQR), to determine the presence of muscle imbalances bilaterally and unilaterally. Isokinetic testing of knee strength was performed on both knees at the Institute for Sports, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, University of Banja Luka, using the CON-TREX CYK device, which allows comprehensive assessment of muscle and joint function. Based on the findings, there was no significant muscle imbalance in handball players, i.e., no significant difference in quadriceps or hamstring strength between the left and right legs, either bilaterally or unilaterally (p > 0.05). The strength of the left and right quadriceps and hamstrings showed minimal variation, with no evidence of muscle imbalance. In professional and elite sports, information from isokinetic diagnostics is essential for designing training programs and preventing injuries. This study provides normative data for the handball player population.

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Published
31-12-2025
How to Cite
Gerdijan, N., Karalić, T., Balać, I., Pavlović, R., Nikolić, S., Ljubojević, A., … Radulović, N. (2025). Isokinetic strength of the quadriceps and hamstrings in professional handball players. SPORT TK-EuroAmerican Journal of Sport Sciences, 14, 161. https://doi.org/10.6018/sportk.695321
Issue
Vol. 14 (2025)
Section
Articles

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The works and papers that are published in this Journal are subject to the following terms:

1. The Publication Service of the University of Murcia (the publisher) has the Publication Rights (Copyright) to the published papers and works, and favors and permits the reusing of the same under the license indicated in point 2.

© Servicio de Publicaciones, Universidad de Murcia, 2013

2. The papers and works are to be published in the digital edition of the Journal under the license Creative Commons Reconocimiento-No Comercial-Sin Obra Derivada 3.0 España (legal text). The copying, using, spreading, transmitting and publicly displaying of the papers, works or publication are permitted as long as: i) the authors and original sources (Journal, publisher and URL of the publication) are quoted; ii) it is not used for commercial benefit; iii) the existence and specifications of this users license are mentioned.

3. Conditions of Self-Archiving. It is permitted and encouraged that the authors spread electronically the pre-print (before printing) and/or post-print (the revised, evaluated and accepted) versions of their papers or works before their publication since this favors their circulation and early diffusion and therefore can help increase their citation and quotation, and also there reach through the academic community.