Abstract
The relationship between lean mass and functional asymmetry in terms of their magnitude and direction was examined in 22 high-level female tennis players (20.9 ± 3.6 years). Lean mass of both upper and lower extremities was examined using Dual X-ray Absorptiometry. Functional asymmetry was assessed using a battery of field tests (handgrip strength, seated shot-put throw, plate tapping, single leg countermovement jump, single leg forward hop test, 6 m single leg hop test, and 505 change of direction (time and deficit)). Paired sample t-tests compared the dominant (overall highest/best (performance) value) against the non-dominant value (highest/best (performance) value of the opposing extremity). Linear regressions were used to explore the relationship between lean mass and functional asymmetry magnitudes. Kappa coefficients were used to examine the consistency in direction between the extremity displaying the highest lean mass value and the extremity performing dominantly across tests. Significant asymmetry magnitudes (p < 0.05) were found for all upper and lower extremity lean mass and functional values. No relationship was apparent between lean mass and functional asymmetry magnitudes (p-value range = 0.131–0.889). Despite finding perfect consistency in asymmetry direction (k-value = 1.00) for the upper extremity, poor to fair consistency (k-value range = −0.00–0.21) was found for the lower extremity. In conclusion, lean mass and functional asymmetries should be examined independently.
Highlights
As one of the most popular sports globally, tennis is characterised by short highintensity efforts which are alternated by bouts of recovery [1,2]. During these high-intensity efforts, tennis strokes are performed during which the preferred upper extremity of the player is exposed to greater mechanical loading compared to the opposing upper extremity [3]
The significant magnitude of upper extremity lean mass asymmetry found in this study (i.e., 7.1%) can be largely attributed to the mechanical loading imposed to the preferred upper extremity associated with the repetitive performance of tennis strokes [4]
The significant lean mass and functional asymmetries of both the upper and lower extremity were not related in terms of their magnitude among high-level female tennis players
Summary
As one of the most popular sports globally, tennis is characterised by short highintensity efforts which are alternated by bouts of recovery [1,2] During these high-intensity efforts, tennis strokes are performed during which the preferred upper extremity of the player (i.e., the upper extremity holding the racket) is exposed to greater mechanical loading compared to the opposing upper extremity (i.e., the non-preferred upper extremity) [3]. This predominantly unilateral sport is ideally suited to examine the occurrence of lean mass asymmetries (i.e., side-to-side differences in lean mass, expressed as a percentage) [4,5].
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