Interlimb Asymmetries: Understanding How to Calculate Differences From Bilateral and Unilateral Tests

Abstract

INTERLIMB ASYMMETRIES HAVE BEEN A POPULAR TOPIC OF INVESTIGATION IN THE STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING LITERATURE. RECENTLY, NUMEROUS EQUATIONS HAVE BEEN HIGHLIGHTED THAT CAN QUANTIFY THESE BETWEEN-LIMB DIFFERENCES. HOWEVER, NO DISTINCTION WAS PROVIDED ON WHETHER THEIR USE WAS APPLICABLE TO BOTH BILATERAL AND UNILATERAL TESTS. THIS ARTICLE PROVIDES A FRAMEWORK FOR SELECTING THE MOST APPROPRIATE ASYMMETRY EQUATION BASED ON THE SELECTED TEST METHOD, ENSURING ACCURATE CALCULATION AND INTERPRETATION. IN ADDITION, CONSIDERATIONS FOR DATA ANALYSIS HAVE ALSO BEEN INCLUDED AS A GUIDE FOR PRACTITIONERS ON THE RELEVANCE OF MONITORING INTERLIMB DIFFERENCES LONGITUDINALLY.