Correlation of Single-leg Jump Asymmetries and Speed of Change of Direction at Multiple Angles in Female Athletes
Abstract
Background: During Multidirectional sprinting, linear speed is typically affected by lower-limb power, but its influence on change-of-direction speed remains less clear. These athletes are prone to develop asymmetric adaptations due to unilateral actions, potentially affecting performance and injury risk. The present study aims to explore the association between single-leg jump asymmetries and the speed of change of direction at multiple angles in female athletes.
Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 42 young female team sport athletes aged between 18 and 24 years, actively participating in sports with a history of at least one year of training, were included in the study. Athletes with recent lower limb injury, surgery or any medical condition impeding the study were excluded. athletes were asked to perform Single-leg countermovement jump, vertical, horizontal, and lateral jumps, along with 10m linear sprints and change of direction tests.
Result: The data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 27.0, IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA). Pearson’s correlation was established between single-leg countermovement jump-lateral asymmetries and change of direction deficit at 45° and 180° angles. No significant correlation was observed between jump asymmetries and change of direction at multiple angles.
Conclusion: The present study concluded that interlimb asymmetry does not have any influence over the change of direction ability of female team sports athletes.
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