Leg Preference and Interlateral Performance Asymmetry in Soccer Player Children

Author(s)

Tocci Teixeira, Maria Candida ^[1] ; Teixeira, Luis Augusto ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Human Motor Syst Lab, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOBIOLOGY; v. 50, n. 8, p. 799-806, DEC 2008.
• Web of Science Citations: 25

Abstract

Strength of leg peference and interlateral asymmetry in kinematics of kicking a ball for power were assessed in 6- to 10-year-old right-footed soccer player children. Leg preference was evaluated separately for three task categories: balance stabilization, soccer related mobilization, and general mobilization. The results showed that while both categories of mobilization tasks were featured by a consistent preference for the right leg, in stabilization tasks we observed lower scores and greater interindividual variability of leg preference. No effect of age was detected on leg preference. Analysis of peak foot velocity revealed similar increment of performance of the right and left legs from the ages 6-8 to 10 years. This finding supports the notion of stable Magnitude of interlateral asymmetries of performance during motor development. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 50: 799-806, 2008. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 05/01292-9 - Development of footedness and lateral asymmetries of performance in the power kick
• Grantee: Luis Augusto Teixeira
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants