Ratios are single-value metrics made up of two parts: a numerator and a denominator. Essentially, a ratio quantifies the relationship between two quantities, showing how many times one value contains or is contained by another. In sports science, when we talk about symmetry, we're usually comparing metrics between different sides or muscle groups. When looking at ratios, particularly with strength testing we are often looking at the relationship between agonist/antagonist muscle groups, although there can be some exceptions.
These metrics, such as the Hip Adductor:Abductor or Hamstring:Quadriceps strength ratio, can be a simple way of evaluating clients' overall fitness levels and assessing the balance and functional capacity of different muscle groups as there are often normative values we can compare our client to.
By examining these ratios, health and fitness professionals can comprehensively understand strength imbalances and design customized training programs to reduce potential risks and enhance performance.
In your AxIT you will see you strength ratio metrics displayed in the following way after completing to corresponding tests.
If the data point is above the band it suggests that the client's performance is biased to the numerator.
If the data point is below the band it suggests that the client's performance is biased to the denominator.
The ideal evidence-based ratio is displayed by the blue band.
This data gives extra context to testing beyond just the imbalance between left and right.