Muscle strength asymmetry of dominant and non-dominant leg of female semi-professional handball and basketball players

Abstract

According to the literature, the imbalance of hip muscles in the dominant and non-dominant leg can cause oweruse injuries. It is important to evaluate difference in muscle strength and balance of semi-professional players in order to avoid knee injuries in the future. Therefore there has been a study carried out to determine whether there were differences in muscle strength of female semi-professional handball and basketball players. Aim of the study is to compare muscle strength of knee flexor, extensor and hip abductor, adductor muscles of the dominant and non-dominant leg of female semi-professional handball and basketball players. Methods. There were 53 female semi-professional handball and basketball players participating in the study, who had their maximum strength measured of knee flexor, extensor muscles and hip abductor and adductor muscles using a dynamometer - MMT - Manual Muscle Tester. Results. The strength (kg) of knee flexor and extensor muscles of the non-dominant leg were significantly higher (p<0,05). Discussion and conclusions. The strength of flexor and extensor muscles of knee of non-dominat leg of female semi-professional handball and basketball players has been significantly greater than the muscle strength of the dominant leg. There was no statistically significant difference in the strength of the abductor and adductor muscles of hip of the dominant and non-dominant leg. Functional movement screen testing could provide additional information.