Influence of leg dominance on the symmetry in body balance measurements
Anna Hadamus, Michalina Gulatowska, Aneta Ferenc, Karen Shahnazaryan, Grażyna Brzuszkiewicz-Kuźmicka, Michalina Błażkiewicz
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the influence of leg dominance on the symmetry of body balance during one-leg standing tasks. Methods: Ninety-six healthy adults were enrolled in this study. Leg dominance was defined using Waterloo Footedness Questionnaire-Revised (WFQ-R) and body balance was measured in one-leg standing test on firm surface (eyes open and closed) and on the foam surface (eyes open). Symmetry Index (SI) of balance parameters was correlated with the results of WFQ-R. Results: The analysis showed that each participant had better test results for one leg compared to the other, and for most participants and test conditions, the more stable lower limb was the right one. No significant correlations were found between WFQ-R and SI. Conclusions: Leg dominance does not seem to affect the ability to maintain body balance on one leg standing on a stable or foam surface within the conditions tested in this study. Nevertheless, some asymmetry between right and left leg standing is visible in healthy adults.