IFPA Trainer Practice Exam

If hamstrings are less than what percentage as strong as the quadriceps, there is a high risk of injury during fast running?

1. 80%

2. 75%

3. 90%

4. 65%

The correct answer is: 90%

The threshold for hamstring strength relative to quadriceps strength is crucial for preventing injuries, particularly during high-intensity activities like fast running. Research has shown that if the hamstrings are less than 70-80% as strong as the quadriceps, the risk of injury significantly increases. The factor of 90% suggests a strong balance between these muscle groups, indicating that if the hamstrings are 90% as strong or more compared to the quadriceps, the risk of injury decreases. This is important for maintaining knee stability and effective action during running, where the hamstrings play a key role in deceleration and stabilization. In contrast, options that indicate percentages lower than 90% imply a greater imbalance, which is why they are less suitable choices for high injury risk thresholds. Therefore, understanding that a stronger hamstring-to-quadriceps ratio is essential for injury prevention helps highlight the importance of targeted strength training for the hamstrings in runners and athletes engaged in similar activities.