Inter-limb isometric strength symmetry and its association with whole-body force production in physically active young adults
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Abstract
Background: Inter-limb strength asymmetries are commonly evaluated using dynamic or isokinetic assessments, yet less is known about bilateral force symmetry during whole-body isometric tasks and how it relates to overall neuromuscular strength expression in physically active populations. Purpose: To characterize upper- and lower-limb inter-limb isometric strength symmetry and examine the association between handgrip strength and whole-body isometric force production in physically active young adults. Methods: Eighty-eight physically active university students (44 males, 44 females) completed maximal handgrip (HG) and bilateral isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) tests. From IMTP trials, peak force, average force, impulse, and rate of force development were obtained, while maximal grip strength was recorded for both hands. Inter-limb asymmetry was calculated using the symmetry angle. Sex differences and associations between HG and IMTP variables were analyzed using parametric or non-parametric statistics. Results: Males showed significantly greater absolute strength than females across all HG and IMTP variables (p < .01). Inter-limb asymmetry values for both upper and lower limbs were small and below commonly reported clinical thresholds. Physical activity level was not associated with asymmetry magnitude. In contrast, handgrip strength demonstrated strong positive correlations with IMTP peak force, average force, and impulse (ρ > .70, p < .001). Conclusions: Physically active young adults exhibit minimal inter-limb isometric asymmetry despite clear limb dominance. The strong relationship between handgrip strength and IMTP-derived force variables suggests that handgrip testing may provide a practical indicator of global isometric strength capacity, although task-specific assessments remain necessary for detailed neuromuscular evaluation.
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