Biomechanical differences related to leg dominance were not found during a cutting task.

Abstract

Previous studies have shown conflicting information regarding leg dominance as an etiological factor for the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. It remains unclear if lower extremity neuromechanical limb asymmetries exist in experienced athletes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate lower extremity neuromechanical effects of leg dominance in female collegiate soccer athletes during an unanticipated side-step cutting task. Twenty female collegiate soccer players completed an unanticipated side-step cutting task, using their dominant and non-dominant legs. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected to quantify joint angles and forces, with wireless electromyography (EMG) quantifying muscle activity. MANOVA's were conducted to determine the effect of leg dominance on hip and knee mechanics at and between pre-contact, initial contact, peak knee adduction moment, and peak stance periods. Dependent variables consisted of peak time occurrences, hip and knee rotations and moments, ground reaction force, EMG amplitudes, stance time, and approach velocity. No significant differences were found for any variables at or between the periods of interest. Collegiate female soccer athletes exhibit similar movement patterns between dominant and non-dominant legs while performing a side-step cutting task, suggesting that leg dominance does not adversely influence known biomechanical non-contact ACL risk factors.