LOWER EXTREMITY LEAN MASS ASYMMETRY CORRELATED WITH FORCE AND POWER ASYMMETRY DURING JUMPING IN ADULTS

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to quantify the relationships between lower extremity lean mass asymmetry and force and power asymmetry during jumping in adults aged 18-75 years old. Forty younger adults (18-35 years of age), 28 middle-aged adults (36-55 years of age), and 34 older adult (56-75 years of age) participated in the study. Subjects underwent Dual Energy Xray Absorptiometry to assess lower extremity bilateral lean mass asymmetry. Subjects performed 3 trials of a counter movement jump on two force plates to measure lower extremity bilateral force and power asymmetry. Lower extremity lean mass asymmetry was significantly correlated with force and power asymmetry in younger and middle-aged adults, but not in older adults. Improving lean mass asymmetry might assist in correcting force asymmetry in younger and middle-aged adults.