Inter-Limb Asymmetry and the Relationship Between Explosive Leg Power and Hamstring Strength in Athletes: A Multiple One-Leg Hopping and Nordic Hamstring Test Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70736/2958.8332.kosalb.83Keywords:
Female football players, Inter-limb asymmetry, Explosive Leg power, Hamstring Strength, m1LH, Nordic Hamstring TestAbstract
Study aim(s): This study aimed to investigate lower-limb asymmetries in female football players using the Multiple One-Leg Hopping (m1LH) test and the Nordic Hamstring Test, while examining the relationship between explosive unilateral leg performance and eccentric hamstring strength.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive-correlational study was conducted on ten active female football players from KF Mitrovica, aged 18-28 years. Lower-limb performance was assessed using the Leonardo Mechanograph Multiple One-Leg Hopping test, while eccentric hamstring strength was evaluated using the Nordic Hamstring Test. Paired-samples t-tests, Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests, and correlation analyses were performed to compare limb performance and examine relationships between variables.
Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the left and right limbs for vertical jump height, maximum force, stiffness, average jump displacement or peak power output (p > .05). The Nordic Hamstring Test revealed a mean inter-limb asymmetry of 6.73%, although one participant exceeded the commonly accepted injury-risk threshold of 15%. No significant correlations were observed between maximum hopping force and Nordic hamstring torque or angle measures (p > .05).
Conclusion: Female football players in this sample demonstrated generally symmetrical lower-limb performance and low levels of hamstring asymmetry. The absence of significant associations between hopping force and hamstring strength suggests that these assessments evaluate distinct neuromuscular qualities. The combined use of the m1LH and Nordic Hamstring Test may provide valuable information for athlete monitoring, performance optimization and injury prevention.
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