Is Asymmetry Different Depending on How It Is Calculated?

Abstract

This study aimed to (1) determine the magnitude and direction of asymmetry in volleyball players, (2) establish asymmetry thresholds, and (3) explore differences depending on the test used and the players’ category. Twenty-nine junior and senior male volleyball players were assessed through a muscle asymmetry battery test: active knee extension test (AKE), single-leg countermovement jump (SL-CMJ), single-leg squat jump (SL-SJ), triple hop test for distance (THTD), modified 20-yard shuttle run, Y-balance test, single-leg one-repetition maximum in leg press test (1RM-SL), and lateral symmetry in radial muscle belly displacement through Tensiomyography in the biceps femoris and rectus femoris. A two-way ANOVA alongside an individual analysis of asymmetry thresholds was used to analyze the test and categorize the influence on the magnitude and the direction of asymmetry. The 1RM-SL, SL-SJ, and the lateral symmetry in radial muscle belly displacement showed a clear asymmetry towards the non-dominant side, while the AKE, SL-CMJ, and THTD showed an asymmetry towards the dominant side. The magnitude of the asymmetry was highly variable between tests (1.46–30.26%). The individualized asymmetry thresholds revealed that the percentage of asymmetrical players varied depending on the type of test used. In conclusion, the type of test used determines the magnitude and direction of asymmetry in well-trained volleyball players.

Long Jump Performance Is Not Related to Inter-Limb Asymmetry in Force Application in Isometric and Vertical Jump Tests

“…The reliability of the measurements was excellent for the vertical jump tests and moderate for the isometric test. The reliability scores in the vertical jump tests' performance confirm previous observations [44][45][46][47]. In contrast, the moderate reliability for the isometric strength assessment test does not confirm the results of previous research reporting excellent reliability for this test [48].…”

Explanatory Model for Elite Canoeists’ Performance Using a Functional Electromechanical Dynamometer Based on Detected Lateral Asymmetry

“…Furthermore, it should be highlighted that the previously mentioned studies [1,13] determined lateral asymmetry using the algorithm implemented by the TMG-BMC Tensiomyo-graphy ® software itself, while we decided to address lateral asymmetry based on testspecific asymmetry thresholds, a method increasingly used in scientific literature in the study of sports asymmetry [15,30,36,37]. Therefore, the previous discussion should be taken even more cautiously.…”

“…Therefore, it can be understood why shoulder injury is so common in canoe-kayak sports [39]. Nonetheless, these reduced shoulder ROM values, a product of long-term specific adaptation of the canoeing sport, should not be overlooked, as they are considered a contributing factor to the increase in injuries [37]. Regarding the Y-Balance Upper Quarter test, it has rarely been used with canoeists; however, we found it interesting to explore asymmetries in upper-limb stability and mobility.…”