Unnikrishnan, R (2012) Bilateral asymmetries in flexibility, strength, and muscle endurance associated with preferred and nonpreferred leg. Masters thesis, Nandha College of Physiotherapy, Erode.
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Abstract
The uninjured limb is commonly used as a pre-injury model because of the assumption that the limbs are symmetrical. Unfortunately, this may not be true in all athletes. One-legged athletes (1LA) (e.g., jumpers/kickers) may develop bilateral asymmetries as a result of specific training. The purpose of this study was to determine whether asymmetries in flexibility, strength, and muscular endurance existed in the preferred and nonpreferred legs of 1LA athletes. Five characteristics were measured in three groups of subjects: nonathletes (NAS) (n=8), age 21.0 + 1.2 y, height 170.1 + 6.9 cm, weight 68.5 + 13.1 kg); two-legged athletes (2LA) (n=8), age 20.8 + 1.3 y, height 169.9 + 8.6 cm, weight 66.3 + 10.0 kg), and onelegged athletes (n=8, age 20.3 + 1.4 y, height 179.7 + 11.0, weight 72.9 + 13.9 kg). Quadricep and hamstring flexibility were measured using an inclinometer during a passive prone knee-flexion test and a supine passive straight-leg raise, respectively. Quadricep and hamstring strength at 60°/sec and muscle endurance at 180°/sec were measured isokinetically. Leg preference was determined using three tasks: kicking a soccer ball, stepping on an object, and smoothing out sand. Twelve 2x3 ANOVAs were used to determine if differences existed in the legs (preferred, nonpreferred) by group (NAS, 1LA, 2LA) for flexibility, strength, and muscle endurance. Tukey’s HSD post hoc test was performed to locate any significant differences. Results revealed no significant interactions in leg preference by group (NAS, 2LA, 1LA) for flexibility, strength, or muscle endurance. However, main effects among groups were revealed when the means of both legs were combined. Tukey’s post hoc test revealed that 1LAs were significantly stronger isokinetically (quadricep and hamstring) and jumped significantly farther compared to the NASs and 2LAs. Observed differences among groups could be a result of training level differences (i.e., varsity vs. recreational) affecting exercise volumes and intensities. The lack of significant asymmetries between preferred and nonpreferred legs suggests that an inadequacy in training elicited asymmetrical adaptations. In conclusion, asymmetries in the preferred and nonpreferred legs do not exist; hence, leg preference could not be associated with asymmetries in flexibility, strength, or muscle endurance.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Bilateral asymmetries ; flexibility ; strength ; muscle endurance ; preferred and nonpreferred leg. |
| Subjects: | PHYSIOTHERAPY > Sports Physiotherapy |
| Depositing User: | Subramani R |
| Date Deposited: | 23 Aug 2017 02:18 |
| Last Modified: | 15 Jan 2020 08:59 |
| URI: | http://repository-tnmgrmu.ac.in/id/eprint/2804 |
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