Morphological and Dynamic Performance Asymmetries in the Lower Extremities of Active Male Football Players: A Comparative Analysis of Dominant versus Non-Dominant

Kruti Sunilbhai Desai; Harshal Patel; Trupti Patel; Shamji Kalsariya

Morphological and Dynamic Performance Asymmetries in the Lower Extremities of Active Male Football Players: A Comparative Analysis of Dominant versus Non-Dominant

Author(s)	Dr. Kruti Sunilbhai Desai, Dr. Harshal Patel, Dr. Trupti Patel, Dr. Shamji Kalsariya
Country	India
Abstract	Background: Long-term exposure to the asymmetrical physical demands of football can induce distinct structural and functional adaptations between the preferred kicking (dominant) limb and the stabilizing (non-dominant) limb. Objective: To analyze structural parameters (proximal and distal circumferences) alongside functional parameters (closed-chain multi-joint strength and distal plantarflexor endurance) across the lower extremities of trained football players. Methods: This observational comparative study evaluated 30 male competitive football players (age range: 15–30 years) with 3–4 years of active playing experience. Morphological measurements comprised thigh and calf circumferences recorded via a standard flexible tape. Dynamic physical function was measured using the Single Leg Squat Test (SLST) to gauge proximal closed-chain strength and the Single Leg Heel Raise Test (SLHRT) to determine distal muscle endurance. Continuous parametric outcomes were analyzed using paired Student's t-tests, whereas discrete functional test scores were assessed via Wilcoxon signed-rank tests (p<0.05). Results: No significant inter-limb variations were identified for thigh girth (54.2±3.1 vs. 53.9±3.0 cm; p=0.272), calf girth (36.8±2.1 vs. 36.6±2.0 cm; p=0.408), or proximal functional output via the SLST (22.4±4.2 vs. 21.1±3.9 repetitions; p=0.118). In contrast, distal muscular endurance measured by the SLHRT revealed a statistically significant discrepancy favoring the dominant side (34.6±5.8 vs. 28.3±5.1 repetitions; p<0.001). Conclusion: Experienced male football players demonstrate marked bilateral symmetry in gross limb circumferences and proximal multi-joint dynamic power. However, localized muscular endurance of the distal plantarflexors displays significant lateralization toward the dominant kicking leg.
Keywords	Soccer; Inter-limb imbalance; Preferred extremity; Muscle hypertrophy; Physical performance diagnostic; Neuromuscular endurance.
Field	Medical / Pharmacy
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 5, September-October 2026
Published On	2026-09-11

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Morphological and Dynamic Performance Asymmetries in the Lower Extremities of Active Male Football Players: A Comparative Analysis of Dominant versus Non-Dominant

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