Leg dominance and plantarflexor stretch-shortening cycle function

Abstract

Large ankle kinetic asymmetry has been observed during maximal velocity sprinting which is not related to observed kinematic asymmetries. This may be due to underlying physiological and mechanical differences. The aim of this study was to use a recently developed method of isolating the plantarflexors to examine leg dominance in mechanical and stretch-shortening cycle function. Significant differences were observed in the peak force generated, rate of peak force development and reactive strength index of the plantarflexors of nine recreationally active subjects during a cyclical sledge task. This may explain why differences are observed in ankle kinetics during sprinting but further research is needed looking at SSC function in elite sprinters to determine if these trends are also observed in that population.