Masters Thesis

Asymmetry in lower extremity biomechanics during dual-limb landings

PURPOSE: The main objective of this study was to compare energy absorption and power production between the preferred and non-preferred lower limb during a drop jump tasks. METHODS: A total of 44 active subjects (22 males, 22 females) participated. Energy absorption and power production were measured for both lower limbs during five 0.45 m drop jumps. Two separate repeated measures ANOVAs compared energy absorption during the landing phase, and power production during the propulsion phase between the two limbs. RESULTS: There was a main effect of limb (P 0.01) where the preferred limb absorbed more energy during the landing phase. There was also a main effect for joint. Post hoc testing revealed that the hip absorbed more energy than the knee (P 0.01) and the ankle (P 0.01). For power production, there was a main effect of limb (P 0.01), where the preferred limb produced more power than the non-preferred limb. There was also a main effect for joint (P 0.01). Post hoc testing revealed that the hip produced more power than the knee (P 0.01) and the ankle (P 0.01). There was also a limb by joint interaction (P 0.01). Post hoc testing showed that power production was greater in the preferred knee (P 0.01) and ankle (P 0.01), with no difference at the hip (P = 0.95). CONCLUSION: The findings in this study indicate asymmetrical performance of the lower limbs, and specifically that there may be a greater reliance on the preferred limb for both deceleration and propulsion behaviors. The underlying causes for these asymmetries are not clear but may be due to underlying functional asymmetries in strength and neuromuscular control. It is possible that the greater energetics and power production demands on the preferred limb could influence injury and therefore present considerations for sport training and injury rehabilitation.

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