Functional Laterality of the Lower Limbs Accompanying Special Exercises in the Context of Hurdling

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the lateralization of the lead leg during special exercises and the relationship with athletic performance throughout a hurdling session. Methods: Thirty-eight physical education students participated in the study. A novel three-part “OSI” test (walking over hurdles arranged in a circle, spiral, and straight line) was performed, and various hurdle practices (jogging and running) were selected as research tools. The lead leg selected by the participants was taken into consideration, and the relationship between the chosen lead leg and athletic performance in the five tests was established. Results: The lateralization of the lead leg changed depending on the shape of the running course. The results of further analysis showed (i) no correlation between the use of the right leg as the lead leg in three tests conducted at a marching pace, and (ii) a significant positive correlation between tests performed at the marching and running paces. Conclusion: Hurdlers flexibly change the dominant leading leg depending on the shape of the running course. The results of this research could prove helpful in the training of athletes for hurdling competitions, especially young runners in 400-m hurdles involving straight and corner tracks.

Postural Stability in Athletes during Special Hurdle Tests without a Definite Dominant Leg

“…The only inclusion criterion was being skilled at hurdling. This ability to hurdle is based on the attitude of the attacker’s dominant (i.e., better) leg in overcoming obstacles [ 12 ].…”

“…The only inclusion criterion was being skilled at hurdling. This ability to hurdle is based on the attitude of the attacker's dominant (i.e., better) leg in overcoming obstacles [12]. The exclusion criteria for the study subjects were as follows: Lower and upper limb injuries, dizziness, and disease.…”

“…The experiment presented by Iskra et al differs from other studies because of the dominant leg identification test [ 12 ]. In body balance studies, various tests are often used to determine the dominant leg.…”

“…Iskra et al conducted research to determine the specific efficiency of the dominant and non-dominant lower limbs and to separate the so-called “two-legged and one-legged” subjects. The results of the relationship between the selection of the attacking limb (leg) in special exercises performed in marching and in motion and the use of this preferred leg during hurdling are described in detail in the paper [ 12 ].…”

“…Attempts to link dynamic hurdle exercises (e.g., marching, light jogging, sprinting through the hurdles) with static exercises (e.g., standing or sitting) can justifiably be included in the training methodology [ 21 , 22 ]. Iskra et al confirmed the relationship between lower limb selection and dynamic exercises of different intensities (running–walking) [ 12 ]. Studies looking into the relationship between dynamic and static exercises have not yet been conducted.…”