In this really interesting study in the International Journal of Sports Physiotherapy, male and female basketball players aged 14-18 were compared for overall strength, strength ratios between quads and hamstrings, and flexibility.

Strength: In males; older athletes were much stronger than younger athletes. In females there was no difference between younger and older athletes. Male athletes were SIGNIFICANTLY stronger than female athletes, but no differences were seen between males and females with regards to the ratios of strength between each individuals hamstrings and quads.

Flexibility: Quads, hamstring and knee extension flexibility was far greater in female athletes, but there were no differences in hip flexibility. There was also no change in flexibility between younger athletes and older athletes.

Nagai T, Bates N, McPherson A, Hale R, Hewett T, Schilaty ND. Effects of Sex and Age on Quadriceps and Hamstring Strength and Flexibility in High School Basketball Athletes. IJSPT. 2021;16(5):1302-1312.

#wednesdaywisdom #strength #flexibility #youngathletes #athletes #research #physiotherapy