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This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate inter-limb asymmetries in youth athletes regarding their magnitude and functional relevance.

July 8, 2026SportsOpen Access

Inter-Limb Muscle Asymmetries in Youth Athletes: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Single-Leg Jump and Change of Direction Speed Outcomes

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Meta-analysis assesses inter-limb asymmetries in youth athletes, revealing developmental implications and functional relevance.

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate inter-limb asymmetries in youth athletes regarding their magnitude and functional relevance.
Systematic review following PRISMA 2020 guidelines; 25 studies included (N=4125).
Conducted meta-analyses on single-leg countermovement jump, change of direction speed, and maturation effects using random-effects models.
Assessment of heterogeneity utilized I2 and τ2 statistics.
Mean asymmetry was 10.8% for single-leg countermovement jump (95% CI: 6.7–14.9) and 7.4% for change of direction (95% CI: 0.5–14.2).
Maturation showed a moderate effect (d = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.18–0.52) with peak asymmetry around peak height velocity.
Association between asymmetry and sprint performance was small and not significant (r = −0.27; 95% CI: −0.55 to 0.07).

Maszczyk et al. (2026) studied this question.

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