Isokinetic strength and joint mobility asymmetries in oarside experienced oarsmen

The purpose of the present study was to investigate oarside and nonoarside lower extremity asymmetries in isokinetic strength and joint mobility of port and starboard oarsmen. Peak torques of right and left extensors and flexors were measured on isokinetic dynamometer at angular velocities of 60 and 180°·s-1 in 12 starboard (n = 12; training age 5.55 ± 0.52 years) and 14 port (n = 14; training age 6.09 ± 0.95 years) well-trained male rowers. Mobility of the hip, knee, and ankle joints was measured using the Myrin flexometer, a modification of the Leighton flexometer. The findings indicate that ports had a significantly higher peak torque in oarside right knee extensors at 60°·s-1 (p < 0.001) and 180°·s-1 (p < 0.01) compared to in the nonoarside left knee extensors. In a respective manner, starboards had a higher peak torque in left knee extensors at 60°·s-1 (p < 0.05) and 180°·s-1 (p < 0.05) compared to the right side. Right flexors peak torque was significantly higher in ports compared to that in starboards at 60°·s-1 (p < 0.05) and 180°·s-1 (p < 0.01). No significant difference between port and starboards in left knee flexors at either angular velocity was found. Both port and starboards exhibited a significantly higher hip (p < 0.01) mobility in oarside compared to in nonoarside. We conclude that sweep rowers develop a significantly higher flexion knee peak torque and hip mobility depending on oarside. Strength and mobility abnormalities may provide information for training and rehabilitation. Strengthening and stretching training programs to compensate for potential strength and mobility imbalance and thereby reducing the occurrence of injuries may be designed.