Affiliations: [a] Sports Excellence, 1st Orthopedics Department, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece | [b] Sports Performance Laboratory, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece | [c] School of Physical Education and Sports Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Charilaos Tsolakis, Sports Excellence, 1 st Orthopedics Department, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Ethnikis Antistaseos 41, Dafni, Greece. Tel.: +30 6932755173; E-mail: tsolakis@phed.uoa.gr.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Data about lower extremities’ strength and power asymmetries in fencers, and their relationships to fencing performance are limited and inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate asymmetries, between dominant (D) and non-dom (ND) legs of elite young male and female fencers, in relation to performance in fencing specific tests. METHODS: Anthropometric characteristics, unilateral vertical-horizontal jumping, isokinetic strength, lunge and step lunge performances were evaluated in 16 male and 22 female elite fencers. RESULTS: Significant differences between genders were found for all anthropometric measurements (p< 0.05). No significant bilateral asymmetries and gender x laterality effects were observed (p> 0.05). Fencing performance was negatively correlated with the D leg’s flexion/extension (F/E) ratio at 300∘/s (r: -0.564 to -0.619, p< 0.05). In addition, D leg’s F/E ratio at 300∘/s was positively related to lung peak velocity and power in female fencers (r: 0.562–0.649; p< 0.05). Finally, only in female fencers, unilateral triple hop distance was significantly related to lung peak velocity and power (r: 0.442–0.500; p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that the differential activation/movement pattern of the D and ND leg muscles do not lead to anatomical, dynamic and functional lower extremities asymmetries.
