Assessing Lower Limb Asymmetry in Healthy Adults Aged 20 to 50 Among Novice, Moderate, and Highly-Trained Distance Runners and Non-Athletes

What this Trial Is About

Distance running is a popular and accessible form of physical activity that offers many health benefits, including protection against conditions like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. However, novice runners face a higher risk of running-related injuries compared to highly trained runners. This research aims to study the degree and development of functional asymmetrydifferences in strength or function between limbsin distance runners at various training levels and non-athletes. It also looks at how this asymmetry relates to running performance. The study observes four groups highly trained, moderately trained, novice distance runners, and a control group of non-athletes. It uses a new running-specific test battery designed to reliably measure lower limb asymmetry in the field. Participants undergo repeated tests including vertical and horizontal hop tests, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, side bridge endurance, and strength assessments for various lower limb muscles. These tests are conducted at baseline, two weeks after, and four weeks after baseline. Running performance measures such as the Cooper test and running stride characteristics are also assessed. Participants will be evaluated through various physical tests, body composition measurements, and running performance assessments across three testing sessions over four weeks. Researchers measure lean and fat mass, bone mineral density, and segmental water content at baseline. Running mechanics like contact time, flight time, and stride length are assessed at later visits. The study aims to understand the relationship between limb asymmetry and running ability while monitoring these parameters to evaluate the new test batterys reliability.

The Magnitude of Inter-limb Asymmetry and Its Assocation with Inter-limb Asymmetry in Distance Runners and Non-runners