The Association between Bilateral Deficit and Athletic Performance: A Brief Review

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Human Movement
• Neuromuscular Physiology

Background:

• The bilateral deficit (BLD) is well-documented across various contraction types.
• Research exploring the connection between BLD and athletic performance is a recent development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and critically analyze existing literature on the relationship between BLD and athletic performance.
• To identify sport-specific performance metrics influenced by BLD.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of scientific databases.
• Analysis of 10 relevant peer-reviewed studies.
• Inclusion of studies measuring BLD and athletic performance outcomes.

Main Results:

• BLD, assessed via vertical jump performance, positively correlates with change-of-direction ability in volleyball, basketball, and tennis players.
• No significant association was found between BLD and change-of-direction performance in soccer players.
• Sprint performance appears largely unrelated to BLD, though a smaller BLD may enhance sprint starts.

Conclusions:

• BLD is associated with enhanced change-of-direction performance in several sports.
• Limited evidence currently supports a broader association between BLD and overall athletic performance.
• Further investigation is recommended, utilizing sport-specific outcomes and diverse BLD calculation methods across various athletic populations.