Matthew D DeLang1, Melodie Kondratek2, Lorenzo J DiPace2, Tamara Hew-Butler3. 1. Duke University Doctor of Physical Therapy Division, School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA. 2. Oakland University Physical Therapy Program, School of Health Science, Rochester, MI, USA. 3. Oakland University Exercise Science Department, School of Health Science, Rochester, MI, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Functional and structural asymmetries attributed to limb dominance are equivocal in soccer players. Previous authors hypothesize the existence of between-limb asymmetry secondary to the repetitive unilateral nature of kicking. However, symmetry is often present, particularly in measures of muscle strength. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to determine if lateral dominance is accompanied by corresponding between-limb asymmetries in a comprehensive assessment of body composition, muscle strength, and range of motion in healthy soccer players. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional, observational. METHODS: 17 healthy male NCAA Division One collegiate soccer players participated (age 19.6 ± 1.5 years; BMI 23.9 ± 1.4 kg/m2). Footedness was attained via participant self-report. Lower limb muscle strength (hand held dynamometry), range of motion (goniometry), and body composition (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scan) were measured. Lower-leg symmetry was analyzed comparing the dominant versus non-dominant limb using paired t-tests. RESULTS: Comparisons revealed no statistically different differences in outcomes, indicating remarkable symmetry in all measures of body composition, muscle strength, and range of motion (p>0.05) between the dominant and non-dominant lower limbs. CONCLUSIONS: The authors speculate the prevalence of running versus kicking, the longitudinal effects of playing careers, and/or functional compensation attenuates the expected asymmetries in healthy male collegiate soccer players. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b.
BACKGROUND: Functional and structural asymmetries attributed to limb dominance are equivocal in soccer players. Previous authors hypothesize the existence of between-limb asymmetry secondary to the repetitive unilateral nature of kicking. However, symmetry is often present, particularly in measures of muscle strength. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to determine if lateral dominance is accompanied by corresponding between-limb asymmetries in a comprehensive assessment of body composition, muscle strength, and range of motion in healthy soccer players. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional, observational. METHODS: 17 healthy male NCAA Division One collegiate soccer players participated (age 19.6 ± 1.5 years; BMI 23.9 ± 1.4 kg/m2). Footedness was attained via participant self-report. Lower limb muscle strength (hand held dynamometry), range of motion (goniometry), and body composition (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scan) were measured. Lower-leg symmetry was analyzed comparing the dominant versus non-dominant limb using paired t-tests. RESULTS: Comparisons revealed no statistically different differences in outcomes, indicating remarkable symmetry in all measures of body composition, muscle strength, and range of motion (p>0.05) between the dominant and non-dominant lower limbs. CONCLUSIONS: The authors speculate the prevalence of running versus kicking, the longitudinal effects of playing careers, and/or functional compensation attenuates the expected asymmetries in healthy male collegiate soccer players. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b.
Entities:
Keywords:
Bone density; footedness; lateral dominance; muscle strength; range of motion