Sagittal plane kinematic differences between dominant and non-dominant legs in unilateral and bilateral jump landings.

CONTEXT: 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.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.

SETTING: Laboratory environment.

PARTICIPANTS: 148 male athletes.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 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.