Bilateral asymmetries in male and female young elite fencers in relation to fencing performance

Background: Data about lower extremities’ strength and power asymmetries in fencers, and their relationships to fencing performance are limited and inconsistent. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate asymmetries, between dominant (D) and non-dom (ND) legs of elite young male and female fencers, in relation to performance in fencing specific tests. Methods: Anthropometric characteristics, unilateral vertical-horizontal jumping, isokinetic strength, lunge and step lunge performances were evaluated in 16 male and 22 female elite fencers. Results: Significant differences between genders were found for all anthropometric measurements ( 0.05). No significant bilateral asymmetries and gender x laterality effects were observed ( 0.05). Fencing performance was negatively correlated with the D leg’s flexion/extension (F/E) ratio at 300/s (r: 0.564 to 0.619, 0.05). In addition, D leg’s F/E ratio at 300/s was positively related to lung peak velocity and power in female fencers (r: 0.562–0.649; 0.05). Finally, only in female fencers, unilateral triple hop distance was significantly related to lung peak velocity and power (r: 0.442–0.500; 0.05). Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that the differential activation/movement pattern of the D and ND leg muscles do not lead to anatomical, dynamic and functional lower extremities asymmetries.Περισσότερα