Functional performance and interlimb asymmetries of young football players during single-leg jump tests

• DOI: 10.1007/s12662-021-00739-1
• Publication Date: 2021-08-24T13:06:01Z
• Authors: Giordano Scinicar...; Christoph Offerhaus; Boris Feodoroff; Ingo Froboese; Christiane Wilke
• Keywords: Football players; Repeated measures design

Abstract Background Jumps are predominant components in football (soccer). Interlimb functional difference single-leg jump performance is a risk factor for lower extremities injuries. Screening uninjured athletes essential to design prevention strategies and implement individual training interventions. The aims of this cross-sectional study were (1) provide age-specific mean values limb symmetry index (LSI) young players, (2) detect age effect on LSI interlimb differences (3) investigate the association with LSI. Methods A total 146 male players (age 14.2 ± 2.3) performed countermovement jump, distance, side hop speedy tests. Descriptive statistics, (dominant/non-dominant) provided according groups (U11–U19). Two-way mixed analysis variance (ANOVA), one-way ANOVA Pearson’s correlation used statistical analysis. Results Participants showed average perfect (103.8 14.2%) amongst all tests groups. occurred three out four ( p < 0.05), without interaction > 0.05). Age was positively associated but not Conclusion An ≥100% proposed as benchmark may occur interaction. Nevertheless, growth process plays crucial role development capacities: older show higher performance, LSI, than younger players. In practice, preventive intervention advisable counteract differences, which unilateral strength, power plyometric recommended.