Lower limb dominance and volume in healthy individuals.

Upper limb dominance is associated with increased limb volume, however there is a paucity of evidence if this is true for the lower limbs. This study investigated if there is a normative volume difference between the dominant and nondominant leg. Healthy volunteers between the ages of 18-40 years were recruited. Exclusion criteria included previous lower limb surgery, BMI >30, or pregnancy. An experienced lymphedema nurse specialist measured the circumference of each limb at 4 cm intervals from the malleolus to the groin. Measurements were used to calculate volume of each limb in milliliters. 100 (52 male, 48 female) participants met our inclusion criteria. 86% were right leg dominant and 14% left leg dominant. 93% demonstrated an average increased volume of 349 ml (4.5%) in the dominant leg which is statistically significant (p<0.001). Age, sports, and gender did not affect lower limb volumes. This is the first study to show a normative variance in leg volume in healthy individuals, with a greater volume in the dominant leg. This should be taken into consideration when managing and measuring outcomes for patients with conditions resulting in enlarged lower limbs. Copyright by International Society of Lymphology.