Single-Leg Power Output and Between-Limbs Imbalances in Team-Sport Players: Unilateral Versus Bilateral Combined Resistance Training

Abstract

Both training programs substantially improved most of the physical-fitness tests, but only UNI reduced between-limbs asymmetry and achieved greater enhancements in actions that mostly required applying force unilaterally in basketball players.

A Novel Approach for Athlete Profiling: The Unilateral Dynamic Strength Index

“…For the bilateral group, a reduction in asymmetries from 6.9 to 4.4% was reported. However, the unilateral group showed substantially larger reductions in asymmetries from 9.6 to 4.8% (13).…”

“…Further to this, the addition of knowing limb differences in DSI scores may also have useful implications on athlete programme design. Previous research has highlighted that unilateral training may be favourable when reducing inter-limb differences (3,13). Gonzalo-Skok et al…”

Training Methods and Considerations for Practitioners to Reduce Interlimb Asymmetries

“…In addition, seven speed and CODS tests were also included as part of the fitness testing battery with standardised differences (represented by effect sizes) portraying greater improvements from the unilateral training group. Based on the results of this study, it could initially be suggested that unilateral training is superior to bilateral training at reducing inter-limb asymmetries and may also have a more positive effect on speed and CODS performance as well (12). However, it should be acknowledged that asymmetries (in power) were measured during a unilateral squat test which will not provide an accurate assessment of power and is also further compromised by the added instability which may not allow a true examination of an athlete's strength capabilities.…”

“…The concept of inter-limb asymmetries has been widely investigated in the literature to date and refers to the performance of one limb with respect to the other (2,5,20,21). To date, the majority of literature has highlighted the prevalence of inter-limb differences across a range of tasks and physical competencies (2,8,12,15,16,30), rather than focusing on whether these differences have a measurable effect on physical or sporting performance (6,7). For those that have, asymmetries have primarily been quantified during strength and jumping tasks.…”

“…With that in mind, a number of studies have reported how inter-limb asymmetries have changed following a targeted training intervention (4,8,11,12,19,30). This article will provide an overview of the available literature and suggest evidence-based methods to reduce interlimb differences.…”