Lateral and functional asymmetries in the lower limbs of college-level female handball players

• Main Authors: Renan Vieira Barreto (Author), Claudio Oliveira Assumpção (Author), Natália de Menezes Bassan (Author), Adalgiso Coscrato Cardozo (Author), Camila Coelho Greco (Author), Benedito Sérgio Denadai (Author), Ronei Silveira Pinto (Author), Leonardo Coelho Rabello Lima (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), 2021-12-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Abstract Aim: The present study aimed to screen for differences in isokinetic peak torque, hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio, and proprioception within the lower limbs of female handball athletes. Methods: Twelve college-level female handball athletes with no previous experience with resistance training performed five maximal isokinetic contractions of the knee extensors and knee flexors to determine isokinetic peak torque and hamstring-to-quadriceps ratios. Proprioception was determined by assessing passive position sense on an isokinetic dynamometer. Results: The athletes presented significantly greater (p < 0.01) knee extensors isometric peak torque for the jumping limb (144.9 ± 23.1) when compared to the non-jumping limb (132.9 ± 21.5). The Hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio was below 0.6 for both limbs, being significantly greater (p < 0.01) for the non-jumping limb (0.56 ± 0.08) when compared to the jumping limb (0.50 ± 0.08). Conclusion: Female handball athletes that do not engage in resistance training can experience functional bilateral asymmetries in the knee extensors and knee-joint instability, as assessed by the hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio due to the asymmetric characteristics of handball. Regular strength training might correct such asymmetries and instabilities.

Item Description

1980-6574
10.1590/s1980-657420210013221