Individualized Analysis of Lateral Asymmetry Using Hip-Knee Angular Measures in Soccer Players: A New Methodological Perspective of Assessment for Lower Limb Asymmetry

Oscar García-García, Ángela Molina-Cárdenas, Tania Álvarez-Yates, Mario Iglesias-Caamaño and Virginia Serrano-Gómez
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Oscar García-García: Laboratory of Sports Performance, Physical Condition and Wellness, Faculty of Education and Sports, University of Vigo, 36310 Pontevedra, Spain
Ángela Molina-Cárdenas: University of Málaga, 29016 Málaga, Spain
Tania Álvarez-Yates: Laboratory of Sports Performance, Physical Condition and Wellness, Faculty of Education and Sports, University of Vigo, 36310 Pontevedra, Spain
Mario Iglesias-Caamaño: Laboratory of Sports Performance, Physical Condition and Wellness, Faculty of Education and Sports, University of Vigo, 36310 Pontevedra, Spain
Virginia Serrano-Gómez: Laboratory of Sports Performance, Physical Condition and Wellness, Faculty of Education and Sports, University of Vigo, 36310 Pontevedra, Spain

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 8, 1-12

Abstract: This study aimed to: (1) determine the magnitude and direction of lateral asymmetry in well-trained soccer players using hip and knee ROM tests; (2) inquire if asymmetry relies on the ROM test performed and/or gender; and (3) establish asymmetry thresholds for each ROM test to individualize lower-limbs asymmetry. One hundred amateur soccer players were assessed using hip–knee ROM tests: Straight Leg Raise, modified Thomas Test, hip internal rotation and external rotation, hip abduction (ABD) and adduction (ADD), Nachlas Test and Rigde Test. There are significant differences between tests when determining the magnitude of lateral asymmetry (F = 3.451; p = 0.001; η p 2 = 0.031) without significant differences between gender (F = 0.204; p = 0.651; η p 2 = 0.001). Asymmetry threshold results differ significantly between using a fixed or a specific threshold (F = 65.966; p = 0.001; η p 2 = 0.985). All tests indicate that the direction of asymmetry is towards the dominant limb. In conclusion, the ROM test used determines the magnitude and direction of the lateral asymmetry of the amateur soccer players. The ABD and ADD are the ROM tests that showed higher percentages of asymmetry, without differences between female and male soccer players. Using a specific asymmetry threshold formula can classify more players as asymmetrical than with a fixed threshold.

Keywords: interlimb asymmetry; ROM; soccer; gender (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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