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Laterality versus ankle dorsi- and plantarflexion maximal torques
Zbigniew Trzaskoma1, Lidia Ilnicka2, Ida Wiszomirska2
1Chair of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Poland.
Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics
|September 25, 2015
Summary
Functional lower limb dominance does not always equate to greater muscle strength. This study found correlations only in specific ankle plantarflexion torque variants for women and men, not in dorsiflexion or with foot morphology.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement Science
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Understanding the relationship between limb dominance and muscle strength is crucial for athletic performance and injury prevention.
- Morphological foot features and functional asymmetries may influence lower limb strength.
- Previous research has yielded mixed results regarding the direct correlation between limb dominance and maximal torque production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between functional lower limb asymmetries and maximal ankle dorsi- and plantarflexion torques.
- To examine the influence of foot morphology on these functional relationships.
- To compare these associations between men and women.
Main Methods:
- 56 young adults (26 men, 30 women) participated.
- Limb dominance assessed via surveys and motor tasks.
- Body build and foot morphology measured using anthropometric standards.
- Longitudinal foot arch assessed using the pantographic method.
- Maximal ankle dorsi- and plantarflexion torques measured under static conditions.
Main Results:
- A positive correlation was observed between functional lower limb dominance and greater ankle plantarflexion maximal torque in correct laterality variants for women and in one variant for men.
- No significant correlation was found between foot morphological asymmetry and ankle dorsi- or plantarflexion maximal torque in either sex.
- Functional dominance did not consistently predict greater muscle strength across all assessed parameters.
Conclusions:
- Functional lower limb dominance is not a direct equivalent to greater muscle strength.
- The interplay between limb dominance, foot morphology, and torque production is complex and sex-dependent.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the nuanced relationship between functional asymmetry and strength.
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