Anthropometric and Range of Motion Evaluation of the Lower Limbs’ Joints as Factors for Symmetry Assessment at High Level Handball Players Prior to Their Return to Play After An Injury in Lower Limbs.

Abstract

Asymmetry between the two limbs, either in strength or flexibility, increases the risk of re-injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the symmetry through anthropometric assesment and to examine the range of motion of lower limbs' joints in handball players upon their return to play after injury. The sample consisted of 15 high level handball players, who had injured their lower limbs and were ready to return to the same competitive activity. These players underwent anthropometric assessment as well as five goniometric assessments of the lower limbs. The results showed asymmetry exclusively in the thigh circumference at a percentage of 26.6%, with the normative limit of one centimeter, and 13.3% with the normative limit of two centimeters. Regarding hip flexion ROM assessment with bent knee and also with stretched knee, as well as in the knee flexion assessment, a percentage 26.8% showed asymmetry. In the measurement of the dorsal and plantar flexion of the ankle joint, a percentage 60% and 33.4% respectively, again showed asymmetry. In conclusion, from the anthropometric assessment and the ROM measurements, a significant percentage of these players did not meet the specific criteria for a safe return to the same competitive activity.

Relationship of Vertical Jump Performance and Ankle Joint Range of Motion: Effect of Knee Joint Angle and Handedness in Young Adult Handball Players

“…In general, no inter-limb ankle ROM differences have been reported in populations of various sports background [8,[26][27][28][29][30][31]. This can be attributed to the fact that scientific evidence and recommendations aid in the design of training programs aiming to maintain symmetry in joint mobility [55][56][57] since it is widely acknowledged that decreased ROM is associated with sports injuries [58].…”