Effects of inter-limb asymmetries on physical and sports performance: a systematic review

Abstract

The prevalence of inter-limb asymmetries has been reported in numerous studies across a wide range of sports and physical qualities; however, few have analysed their effects on physical and sports performance. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken using the Medline and SPORT Discus databases, with all articles required to meet a specified criteria based on a quality review. Eighteen articles met the inclusion criteria, relating participant asymmetry scores to physical and sports performance measures. The findings of this systematic review indicate that inter-limb differences in strength may be detrimental to jumping, kicking and cycling performance. When inter-limb asymmetries are quantified during jumping based exercises, they have been primarily used to examine their association with change of direction speed with mixed findings. Inter-limb asymmetries have also been quantified in anthropometry, sprinting, dynamic balance and sport-specific actions, again with inconsistent findings. However, all results have been reported using associative analysis with physical or sport performance metrics with no randomised controlled trials included. Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms that underpin inter-limb differences and the magnitude of performance changes that can be accounted for by these asymmetries.

Vertical and Horizontal Asymmetries Are Related to Slower Sprinting and Jump Performance in Elite Youth Female Soccer Players

“…Consequently, practitioners who measure between-limb asymmetries from jump tests should be mindful of differences ~12% and aim to quantify whether they are associated with any decrements in performance. This seems prudent advice given the notion that asymmetries > 10% have been suggested to potentially impact physical and sports performance (7,9) and the results of the present study are in agreement with this consensus. Cumulatively, given that the SLCMJ appears more sensitive at identifying inter-limb differences and shows stronger relationships to decrements in sprint speed compared to horizontal hops, these results indicate that the SLCMJ may be the most appropriate jump test to identify the prevalence of interlimb asymmetries in athletes.…”

Total and Regional Body Composition of NCAA Division I Collegiate Female Softball Athletes

“…Additionally, no studies to date have reported inter-positional throwing and non-throwing arm compositional comparisons (i. e., fat, lean soft tissue, and bone masses). These compositional comparisons are important given that contralateral asymmetries may increase injury risk [7,8]. In addition, no studies to date have reported visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass measurements in a collegiate softball athlete population.…”

Optimizing athlete assessment of maximal force and rate of development: A comparison of the isometric squat and mid-thigh pull

“…Furthermore, previous literature investigating the differences between the ISQ and IMTP have only used a bilateral stance. 4,21 Given the increased frequency of research pertaining to measurement of unilateral tasks, 2,3 and their associations with reductions in performance, 3 a more comprehensive understanding of these assessment modes is warranted.…”