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Specific factors that influence deciding the takeoff leg during jumping movements
Kazuyoshi Miyaguchi1, Shinichi Demura
1Liberal Arts Education Center, Ishikawa Prefectural University, Ishikawa, Japan. kazu1060@lapis.plala.or.jp
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|August 31, 2010
Summary
Leg dominance is unclear, but skilled movements often favor the right leg for hopping and balance. However, this study found no marked lateral dominance in the takeoff leg for jumping activities.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Motor Control
- Sports Science
Background:
- Lateral dominance in lower limbs, particularly for takeoff leg selection in jumping, remains poorly defined.
- Understanding leg dominance is crucial for optimizing athletic performance and injury prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate subjective leg dominance in fundamental movements.
- To examine lateral dominance in motor functions between takeoff and non-takeoff legs during unilateral jumping.
Main Methods:
- Assessed 27 young men, divided into left-legged (LG) and right-legged (RG) jumpers based on high jump takeoff leg.
- Evaluated fundamental leg movements, including sole shape, single-leg vertical jump, hopping, balance, and isokinetic strength.
- Compared motor functions between takeoff and lead legs within each group.
Main Results:
- A majority of RG subjects (83%) preferred the right leg for hopping, while most LG subjects (87%) preferred the left leg for balance.
- Skilled movements demonstrated right-leg dominance across both takeoff leg groups.
- LG subjects showed greater left leg sole shape values; RG subjects exhibited higher right leg single-leg vertical jump performance.
- No significant lateral dominance was observed in the takeoff leg itself.
Conclusions:
- Lower limbs may not exhibit pronounced lateral dominance comparable to upper limbs.
- While specific tasks show preferences, a definitive takeoff leg dominance for jumping is not evident in this cohort.
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