Inter-limb strength asymmetry in adolescent distance runners: test-retest reliability and relationships with performance and running economy
Blagrove, Richard C., Bishop, Chris 
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1505-1287, Howatson, Glyn and Hayes, Philip R.
(2021)
Inter-limb strength asymmetry in adolescent distance runners: test-retest reliability and relationships with performance and running economy.
Journal of Sports Sciences, 39
(3)
.
pp. 312-321.
ISSN 0264-0414
[Article]
(doi:10.1080/02640414.2020.1820183)
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Abstract
The purpose of this investigation was, firstly, to quantify the test-retest reliability of strength measures in adolescent distance runners; and secondly, to explore the relationships between inter-limb strength asymmetry and performance and running economy (RE) in a similar cohort of young runners. For the reliability study, twelve (n=6 female) post-pubertal adolescent distance runners performed an isometric quarter-squat on a dual force plate and unilateral isometric hip extension and hip abduction tests on two occasions. For the correlation study, participants (n=31) performed the strength tests plus a submaximal incremental running assessment and a maximal running test. Running economy was expressed as the average energy cost of running for all speeds below lactate turnpoint and was scaled for body mass using a previously calculated power exponent. Allometrically scaled peak force during the quarter-squat and peak torque in the hip strength tasks showed acceptable levels of reproducibility (typical error ≤6.3%). Relationships between strength asymmetry and performance and RE were low or negligible (r<0.47, p>0.05), except for hip abduction strength asymmetry and RE in the female participants (r=0.85, p<0.001, n=16). Practitioners should consider inter-limb hip abduction strength asymmetry on an individual level, and attempting to reduce this asymmetry in females may positively impact RE.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Keywords (uncontrolled): | symmetry, imbalance, between-limb difference, endurance running |
| Research Areas: | A. > School of Science and Technology > London Sport Institute > Strength and Conditioning at the London Sport Institute |
| Item ID: | 30885 |
| Notes on copyright: | This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Journal of Sports Sciences on 13 Sep 2020, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/02640414.2020.1820183 |
| Useful Links: | |
| Depositing User: | Chris Bishop |
| Date Deposited: | 04 Sep 2020 07:57 |
| Last Modified: | 29 Nov 2022 18:02 |
| URI: | https://eprints.mdx.ac.uk/id/eprint/30885 |
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