title: Sagittal plane kinematic differences between dominant and non-dominant legs in unilateral and bilateral jump landings.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In both research and clinical settings there is an assumption of symmetry between limbs in landing. However, development of a preferred limb side is a natural occurrence. It is not well established how limb dominance affects landing mechanics in a unilateral or bilateral landing.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To investigate sagittal plane mechanics between dominant and non-dominant legs in both unilateral and a bilateral landing tasks.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Laboratory environment.
  
  
  METHODS
  148 male athletes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sagittal plane kinematics (hip, knee, and ankle flexion) at initial contact and maximum knee flexion, and total excursion of the movement.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No significant differences were found between limbs in the unilateral landing. Knee flexion (p = 0.02) and hip flexion (p = 0.00) were significantly different between dominant and non-dominant limbs at initial contact in the bilateral landing. Knee flexion total excursion (p = 0.04) and hip flexion total excursion (p = 0.03) in the bilateral landing were also significantly different between limbs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Lower limb symmetry was observed for the unilateral landing. Minimal, yet significant, asymmetries (less than 2°) were present during the bilateral landing. This finding justifies the continued use of the dominant limb in research and clinical settings.
authors: Motus Global, 5394 Merrick Rd., Massapequa, NY, 11758, USA. Electronic address: april@motusglobal.com.
authors: April L
authors: AL
authors: McPherson
authors: Motus Global, 5394 Merrick Rd., Massapequa, NY, 11758, USA. Electronic address: brittany@motusglobal.com.
authors: Brittany
authors: B
authors: Dowling
authors: Motus Global, 5394 Merrick Rd., Massapequa, NY, 11758, USA. Electronic address: travis@motusglobal.com.
authors: Travis G
authors: TG
authors: Tubbs
authors: Motus Global, 5394 Merrick Rd., Massapequa, NY, 11758, USA; Department of Orthopaedics, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, 101 Nicolls Rd., Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA. Electronic address: james_paci@yahoo.com.
authors: James M
authors: JM
authors: Paci
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D056352:Athletes; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology
keywords: Asymmetry; Limb dominance; Lower extremity; Symmetry