Difference Asymmetry between Preferred Dominant and Non-Dominant Legs in Muscular Power and Balance among Sub-Elite Soccer Players in Qatar

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine and compare leg asymmetry between preferred dominant and non-dominant legs in muscular power and balance among sub-elite soccer (football) players in Qatar. Thirty-two professional local soccer players from the Qatar Stars League (Second Division) participated in the study (23.1 ± 6.1 years). They were classified according to their preferred dominant leg (preferred leg to kick the ball). Twenty-two players had a right dominant leg, and the remaining ten had a left dominant leg. Countermovement jump (CMJ) was used to measure unilateral and bilateral vertical jump performances. The Y-balance test (YBT) was used to assess dynamic balance. No significant differences were found between the dominant and non-dominant leg for CMJ flight height (p > 0.05; asymmetry index (AI) = 1.83 ± 11.46) or the relative and absolute reach distance derived from the YBT (p > 0.05; AI (relative) = −0.45 ± 9.68, AI (absolute) = −0.60 ± 12.3). Bilateral asymmetry in dynamic balance was not significant for any of the anterior, posteromedial, or the posterolateral reaching directions (p > 0.05). The selected football players demonstrated an acceptable level of leg symmetry for power and dynamic balance. These findings may prove helpful for the assessment and evaluation of talents and should help to develop and optimize training regimes.