Limb length discrepancy and gait parameters of amateur football players in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Football is a widely played sport globally. Limb length discrepancies have been found to be common among football players and these may lead to abnormal gait. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between limb length discrepancy (LLD) and gait parameters of amateur football players in Lagos State, Nigeria. Eighty-nine amateur football players participated in the cross-sectional study. They were recruited from different stadia in Lagos State. Limb length and gait parameters were measured using tape and footprint measurements. The prevalence of real limb length discrepancy among the participants was 75% (n = 67). The results of this study showed that the right leg was the shorter leg in 60% (n = 53) of the participants. There was no significant correlation between gait parameters and limb length measurement. Although limb length discrepancy is common among amateur football players in Lagos State, the relationship between limb length and gait parameters is weak.