Repository of DUTH

Bαlance deficits in the ankle joint between dominant and non-dominant lower limb in female football players (Bachelor thesis)

Σίντος, Επαμεινώνδας/ Sintos, Epameinondas

Balance is a fundamental component of athletic performance and injury prevention, particularly in sports such as soccer that involve single-leg movements and rapid changes of direction. The purpose of this study was to investigate possible differences in balance between the dominant and nondominant lower limb in female soccer players. The sample consisted of 19 active Greek female athletes from the team Rodopi '87, who were evaluated using the Biodex Stability System in single-leg stance at the highest level of platform instability (level 1). During the assessment, the Total Stability Index (Total SI), Anterior/Posterior Index (A/P SI), and Medial/Lateral Index (ML SI) were recorded for each limb. The results revealed statistically significant differences in Total SI and A/P SI between the two limbs, with the dominant limb presenting higher instability values. In contrast, no significant difference was observed in the ML SI. The asymmetry percentages (D/N%) often exceeded the 10–15% threshold, which is considered functionally meaningful in the literature. In conclusion, this study highlights the presence of significant balance asymmetries between the lower limbs of female soccer players, which may be linked to an increased risk of injury. Regular assessment and monitoring of postural control in athletes is deemed essential, and targeted interventions are recommended to reduce functional asymmetries and improve neuromuscular stability.