Influence of Sex and Dominant Side on the Reliability of Two Trunk Rotator Exercises

Background: A method to assess the influence of sex and side testing on trunk rotator muscles has not been described. The purpose was to analyze the influence of sex and dominant and non-dominant sides (DS-NDS) on the reliability of two trunk rotator exercises and to study the relationship between the DS-NDS of two trunk rotator strength exercises. Methods: The reliability of the horizontal cable woodchop (HCW) and low cable woodchop (LWC) exercises was studied using a test-retest design with 51 physically active students. Isokinetic and isometric strength were assessed with a functional electromechanical dynamometer. Results: There were significant differences in reliability between male and female HCW and no significant differences in reliability between the average of the DS-NDS in HCW and LCW. There were no significant differences between the DS-NDS in the sex of HCW, and the strength of the two exercises showed no significant differences except for two conditions assessed. Very large to extremely large correlations were observed between sides in the strength of two exercises (r = 0.71-0.91). Conclusions: This test is handy for physical trainers or coaches to know the strength of the trunk rotators of their athletes.

Automated summary

This study examines the influence of sex and dominant/non-dominant side on trunk rotator muscles. The reliability of two trunk rotator exercises was assessed and correlations between sides were analyzed. The results show that sex significantly affects the reliability of one exercise, but there is no significant difference between dominant/non-dominant sides. Additionally, there are no significant differences between the dominant/non-dominant sides in relation to sex, and the strength of the two exercises only differs in specific conditions.