The Effects of a Unilateral Strength and Power Training Intervention on Inter-Limb Asymmetry and Physical Performance in Male Amateur Soccer Players

Bettariga, Francesco; Maestroni, Luca; Jarvis, Paul; Turner, Anthony N.; Bishop, Chris

doi:10.1007/s42978-022-00188-8

Cited by 9 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 49 publications

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“…If a training program aims to reduce bilateral asymmetries (most commonly, interlimb asymmetries), how successful is it? A study aimed to reduce interlimb asymmetries in 24 male adult soccer players (amateur level) [13]. The participants were randomized into a 6-week (twice weekly) unilateral strength-and power-training program or into a control group.…”

Section: Effects Of Training Interventions To Reduce Bilateral Asymme...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Such unsubstantiated discourse misleads the readers and may even detract from analyzing other (relevant) variables of those works. Training programs are often designed to decrease interlimb asymmetry and may achieve small to moderate (but commonly non-significant) reductions [11,12] and, more rarely, small to large reductions in asymmetry [13]. When such programs are successful in achieving what they had proposed to achieve (i.e., reducing interlimb asymmetries), the authors may (erroneously) assume that increased symmetry is beneficial, without actually assessing the effect of these changes on injury risk [2].…”

Section: Introduction-the Inevitability and Omnipresence Of Asymmetrymentioning

confidence: 99%

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Why Sports Should Embrace Bilateral Asymmetry: A Narrative Review

Afonso

Peña

Sá³

et al. 2022

Symmetry

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(1) Background: Asymmetry is ubiquitous in nature and humans have well-established bilateral asymmetries in their structures and functions. However, there are (mostly unsubstantiated) claims that bilateral asymmetries may impair sports performance or increase injury risk. (2) Objective: To critically review the evidence of the occurrence and effects of asymmetry and sports performance. (3) Development: Asymmetry is prevalent across several sports regardless of age, gender, or competitive level, and can be verified even in apparently symmetric actions (e.g., running and rowing). Assessments of bilateral asymmetries are highly task-, metric-, individual-, and sport-specific; fluctuate significantly in time (in magnitude and, more importantly, in direction); and tend to be poorly correlated among themselves, as well as with general performance measures. Assessments of sports-specific performance is mostly lacking. Most studies assessing bilateral asymmetries do not actually assess the occurrence of injuries. While injuries tend to accentuate bilateral asymmetries, there is no evidence that pre-existing asymmetries increase injury risk. While training programs reduce certain bilateral asymmetries, there is no evidence that such reductions result in increased sport-specific performance or reduced injury risk. (4) Conclusions: Bilateral asymmetries are prevalent in sports, do not seem to impair performance, and there is no evidence that suggests that they increase injury risk.

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Section: Effects Of Training Interventions To Reduce Bilateral Asymme...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introduction-the Inevitability and Omnipresence Of Asymmetrymentioning

confidence: 99%

Why Sports Should Embrace Bilateral Asymmetry: A Narrative Review

Afonso

Peña

Sá³

et al. 2022

Symmetry

Self Cite

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“…Moreover, we suggest examining the correlation of not only vertical but also horizontal jumping asymmetries with the performance of female soccer players, in a systematic way. To conclude, we suggest practitioners implement strength and power training programs [44,46,48], as well as injury prevention protocols (FIFA 11+), balance training and neuromuscular training [49][50][51], aiming to reduce asymmetries in order to minimize the risk of injuries and potentially improve the performances of female soccer players in certain fitness tests.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Vertical and Horizontal Jumping Asymmetries on Linear and Change-of-Direction Speed Performance of Female Soccer Players

Svynos,

Michailidis,

Kotsakis

et al. 2024

Applied Sciences

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In recent years, along with the remarkable development of women’s soccer, significant attention has been given to the study of asymmetry in lower limbs. However, there is uncertainty about whether and to what extent jumping asymmetries affect the performance of female soccer players. The aims of this study were to examine (a) possible asymmetries in jumping ability and (b) the correlations between asymmetries and performance of female soccer players in 10 m and 30 m speed tests, as well as in change-of-direction speed tests. The study involved 12 adolescent (age: 15.8 ± 0.8 years, body mass: 59.4 ± 7 kg and height: 160.5 ± 5.1 cm) and 10 adult female soccer players (age: 22.3 ± 4.4 years, body mass: 62.2 ± 7.5 kg and height: 165.7 ± 6.1 cm). Pearson’s correlations showed no statistically significant relationships between vertical and horizontal asymmetries and time in 10 m, 30 m and 505 change-of-direction speed tests for adolescent players. In adult players, a significantly high correlation was found between asymmetries in single-leg hop tests (for distance) and time in 505 change-of-direction speed tests (r = 0.68, p < 0.05). Adult players showed higher asymmetry values in vertical and horizontal jump tests, but these asymmetries were not significant (p > 0.05). Practitioners are recommended to implement strength and power training programs, as well as injury prevention protocols, aiming to reduce asymmetries, in order to minimize the risk of injuries, and potentially improve performance of female soccer players in certain fitness tests.

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“…For example, some of the exercises administered in the GSRT group were unilateral (e.g., 1 arm, 1 leg cable row, 1 leg Russian deadlift, 1 arm, and 1 leg cable bench). Although these exercises may serve a purpose in respect to asymmetry (2,21), there seems to be very little about these exercises that are "golf-specific," most notably, when we consider that the golf swing happens on 2 limbs. It is also interesting to note that the TRAD group displayed large improvements in CHS using a driver (g 5 0.85), yet visual inspection of the raw data when using a 7iron shows a small reduction in CHS.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Physical Training and Associations Between Physical Performance Characteristics and Golf Performance in Female Players: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

Robinson,

Murray,

Ehlert

et al. 2023

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

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Robinson, L, Murray, A, Ehlert, A, Wells, J, Jarvis, P, Turner, A, Glover, D, Coughlan, D, Hembrough, R, and Bishop, C. Effects of physical training and associations between physical performance characteristics and golf performance in female players: A systematic review with meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2023—The aims of this systematic review were to assess the association between physical performance and measures of golf performance, and the effects of physical training on measures of golf performance, in female golfers. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Medline, and CINAHL. Inclusion criteria required studies to (a) have conducted a physical training intervention of any duration in female players and determine the effects on measures of golf performance, (b) determine the association between physical performance in at least one test and golf performance in female players, and (c) be peer-reviewed and published in English language. Methodological quality was assessed using a modified version of the Downs and Black Quality Index tool, and heterogeneity was examined through the Q statistic and I 2. Pooled effect sizes were calculated using standardized mean differences (SMDs) (with 95% confidence interval [CI]s) within a random-effects model, with Egger's regression test used to assess small study bias (inclusive of publication bias). Of the 2,378 articles screened, only 9 were included in the final review, with 3 of these being associative by design and 6 being training interventions. From an associative standpoint, clubhead speed (CHS) was reported in all 3 studies and was associated with measures of strength (r = 0.54), lower-body power (r = 0.60), upper-body power (r = 0.56–0.57), and flexibility (r = 0.52–0.71). When assessing the effects of physical training interventions, CHS was again the most commonly reported golf outcome measure (n = 5). The random-effect model indicated that CHS significantly improves within each training group following training interventions (SMD = 0.73 [95% CIs: 0.32–1.14], Z = 3.50, p < 0.001), with trivial heterogeneity (I 2 = 0.00%, Q = 0.18; p = 0.9963) and no prevalence of small study bias depicted through the Egger's regression test (z = −0.28, p = 0.78). From the available research, it seems that CHS can be positively affected from strength, power, and flexibility training interventions. From an associative standpoint, only 3 studies have been conducted solely in female players, with one showcasing questionable methodology. Future research should aim to carefully select test measures which better represent the physical capacities needed for the sport when determining the effects of and relationships with golf performance.

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The Effects of a Unilateral Strength and Power Training Intervention on Inter-Limb Asymmetry and Physical Performance in Male Amateur Soccer Players

Cited by 9 publications

References 49 publications

Why Sports Should Embrace Bilateral Asymmetry: A Narrative Review

Why Sports Should Embrace Bilateral Asymmetry: A Narrative Review

Effects of Vertical and Horizontal Jumping Asymmetries on Linear and Change-of-Direction Speed Performance of Female Soccer Players

Effects of Physical Training and Associations Between Physical Performance Characteristics and Golf Performance in Female Players: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

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