LATERALITY AND ITS EFFECT ON LOWER EXTREMITY MUSCULOSKELETAL STIFFNESS IN MALE SOCCER PLAYERS AND TRACK RUNNERS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of laterality on lower extremity stiffness in healthy soccer players and track runners. Eight soccer players aged 15 to 17 years, and eight track runners, aged from 18 to 25 years performed a battery of tests (Single and double legged continuous straight and bent-legged jumping, and running) to determine lower extremity musculoskeletal stiffness. All participants were injury free at the time of testing. Statistical tests of the various all kinetic measures revealed that the track runners were asymmetrical in their musculoskeletal performance qualities, whereas, the soccer players displayed symmetry. Future research should examine lower extremity symmetry in an older group of soccer players, and the development of a training program to alter lower extremity stiffness into a typical range.