摘要：Lower limb muscle asymmetries have been thoroughly examined in many studies, which highlighted their detrimental role in sport performance as a risk factor for injury to players. Specifically, in handball, asymmetries in muscle activation and balance asymmetries cause injuries and generally appear as a factor of possible injury of the lower limbs. The asymmetry between two limbs should be evaluated to determine whether limb recovery is successful. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the symmetry in muscular strength and dynamic balance, in high-level handball players through the isokinetic assessment of knee joint and one – legged hops using the limbsymmetry index (LSI). The sample consisted of 15 handball players, i.e. 9 men and 6 women. All of them were high-level players who competed in teams from the two top leagues of Greece (Handball Premier for men and A1 Division for women) had previous injuriesof the lower extremities and abstained, for at least 7 days, from playing activities. Isokinetic dynamometry was performed at: 60°/s, 180°/s and 300°/s., angular velocities, while the LSI measurements used included: a) one-legged single hop, b) one-legged triple hop, c) one-legged cross-over triple hop and d) one-legged timed hops. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Theobtained results showed that at the angular velocity of 60°/s 9 cases were outside normative limits. At 180°/s, 13 cases were outside normative limits at 300°/sec we had 15 cases outside normative limits. Concerning LSI, 8 players showed positive results. High correlation scores were not observed. Strong relationships were found only between triple cross-over hop and timed hops. In conclusion, based on both assessments, it was determined that these players were not completely ready for their safe return to sport.
关键词：Lower Limbs;Injuries;Rehabilitation;Asymmetries;Isokinetic Assessment;Limb Symmetry Index
