Functional asymmetry in young male and female artistic gymnasts

Purpose: The causes of asymmetry include ineffective injury rehabilitation programs, the demands of each sport, training

Methods: and the relationship between antagonist muscles acting on the joint. The

purpose of the study was to assess the functional and dynamic asymmetry of lower limbs in young artistic gymnasts.

purpose of the study was to assess the functional and dynamic asymmetry of lower limbs in young artistic gymnasts. Methods Thirty competitive athletes aged 10–12 years performed field and laboratory tests to assess any existing asymmetry. The field test evaluation was carried out by performing a single-leg vertical jump, a triple horizontal single-leg jump, and an assessment of the flexibility of the knee and lower back flexors, while dynamic asymmetry was assessed using the BIODEX isokinetic device.

Results: No statistically significant differences in the flexibility of the knee and lower back flexor muscles were observed between the right and left legs. The

results for the single-leg vertical jump and triple horizontal single-leg jump showed a non-statistically significant asymmetry in male and female athletes (p > 0.05). Male gymnasts revealed a higher percentage of asymmetry during maximum knee extension torque than female gymnasts, whereas female gymnasts showed a higher percentage of asymmetry during maximum knee flexion torque than male gymnasts.

Conclusions: Functional asymmetry levels were low in the examined sample, whereas a high percentage of asymmetry was observed in female gymnasts in the achieved angle and maximum flexion torque work output.