Asymmetry of Muscle Mass Distribution and Grip Strength in Professional Handball Players

Marcin Lijewski, Anna Burdukiewicz, Jadwiga Pietraszewska, Justyna Andrzejewska and Aleksandra Stachoń
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Marcin Lijewski: Departament of Physical Anthropology, University School of Physical Education, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland
Anna Burdukiewicz: Departament of Physical Anthropology, University School of Physical Education, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland
Jadwiga Pietraszewska: Departament of Physical Anthropology, University School of Physical Education, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland
Justyna Andrzejewska: Departament of Physical Anthropology, University School of Physical Education, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland
Aleksandra Stachoń: Departament of Physical Anthropology, University School of Physical Education, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 4, 1-12

Abstract: Handball is among the disciplines that impose a significant degree of asymmetry on the body movement. The aim of the study is to assess the influence of physical effort on the occurrence of asymmetry in body musculature and in isometric strength of handball players. The study examined 36 professional handball players. Players’ height and body mass were measured as to calculate their body mass indexes (BMIs). Segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis (SBIA) was used to assess: the percentage of fat mass, total muscle mass (MM), musculature of the right and left side of the body, and body segments (trunk, upper and lower limbs). Moreover, grip strength was also measured. The assessment confirmed the existence of discrepancies in the right and left sides of players’ bodies for the majority of the parameters. Cross-asymmetry and significant bilateral discrepancies in trunk musculature were also observed. Morphological asymmetry may impact performance in sports since it can cause unfavorable functional changes, which in turn increase the risk of injury and conditions caused by overexertion. Therefore, we believe it is important to emphasize the importance of individualized symmetrization during sports practice and consistent monitoring of the asymmetries occurring in different body parts; this should both improve one’s sports results and minimize the risk of injury.

Keywords: bilateral asymmetry; muscle mass; hand grip strength; handedness; handball (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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