Effects of the optimal flexor/extensor ratio on G-tolerance.
Jung Sub Park, Jean Choi, Jung Woon Kim and 2 others
PMID 27799715WHAT IT FOUND
Students who passed a high-G tolerance test had higher muscle mass and BMI than students who failed early.
Knee and trunk strength ratios showed some differences, but the pattern was not consistent.
Key findings
01The passing group and the failed C group had higher muscle mass and fat percentage than the failed A group, and they had higher BMI than the failed A group.
02At 240°/sec, the left knee flexor/extensor ratio was significantly lower in the passing group than in the failed A group, and the right extensor/flexor ratio was significantly lower in the failed B group than in the failed A group.
03At 60°/sec, the passing group had a significantly higher trunk extensor/flexor ratio than the failed A group, and at 120°/sec, the failed C group and passing group had significantly higher trunk extensor/flexor ratios than the failed A group.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they found
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What it does not show
The sample was limited to young male Air Force Academy students, so it may not apply to patients or other populations. Participants were grouped after the high-G test, so the study shows associations, not that strength caused a better result. The study compared several knee and trunk measures, and the paper does not say how it controlled for chance findings. Some participants were excluded, and the paper does not describe them.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that knee or trunk muscle ratios improve G-tolerance. The study did not randomise participants to training, and all participants performed the L1 maneuver during the test, so the measured muscle ratios are only associated with passing.