Morphological and functional asymmetry in elite youth tennis players compared to sex- and age-matched controls

Besides examining upper and lower limb morphological and functional asymmetry magnitudes, this study examined the relationship between lean mass and functional asymmetry in terms of magnitude and direction in 41 youth tennis players versus 41 controls. Asymmetry magnitude was determined using anthropometric measurements (circumferences, widths), bioelectrical impedance analysis (lean mass) and a test battery (handgrip strength, seated medicine ball throw, plate tapping, single leg countermovement jump, single leg forward hop test, 6 m single leg hop test, 505 change of direction). ANOVAs compared the dominant (overall highest/best value) against the non-dominant (highest/best value of opposing limb) result. Linear regressions explored the relationship between lean mass and functional asymmetry magnitudes. Kappa coefficients examined asymmetry direction consistency between the limb displaying the highest lean mass value and the limb performing dominantly across tests. Significant asymmetry magnitudes (p < 0.05) were found for all upper and lower limb outcome measures. No significant relationship was apparent between lean mass and functional asymmetry magnitude (r-value = -0.283-0.262). Despite finding (almost) perfect consistency in asymmetry direction (k-value = 0.84-1.00) for the upper limb, poor to slight consistency (k-value = -0.03-0.15) was found for the lower limb. Therefore, lean mass and functional asymmetry should be examined independently.

Automated summary

This study examined the asymmetry in upper and lower limb morphological and functional measures in youth tennis players and controls. The study found significant differences in asymmetry magnitudes between dominant and non-dominant limbs. However, no significant relationship was found between lean mass and functional asymmetry. The consistency in asymmetry direction was higher in the upper limb compared to the lower limb.