Abstract

Background: The abdominal muscles are vital in providing core stability for proper function in most activities. There is a correlation between side asymmetry of theses muscles and dysfunction. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare trunk muscle morphology and trunk rotational strength between sprinters, a symmetrical sport and sprint hurdlers, an asymmetrical sport. Methods: Twenty-one trained collegiate sprinters and sprint hurdlers were recruited for the study (12 M, 9 F), average age (years) 20.2   1.5, height (cm) 176.9   9.1, and weight (kg) 70.6   9.8. Using real-time ultrasound, panoramic images of the internal oblique (IO) and external oblique (EO) were obtained at rest and contracted in a seated position for both right and left sides of the trunk. Results: Average trunk rotation strength to the right was greater among all participants, p < 0.001. The IO had greater thickness changes than EO for all participants. The IO side asymmetry was significantly different between groups p < 0.01. Conclusion: Sprinters, although involved in a seemingly symmetrical sport, exhibit asymmetrical trunk morphology and rotational strength, while hurdlers, involved in a unilaterally demanding sport, exhibit the expected asymmetry in muscle morphology and trunk rotational strength.

Degree

MS

College and Department

Life Sciences; Exercise Sciences

Rights

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2021-07-09

Document Type

Thesis

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd11824

Keywords

asymmetry, internal oblique, external oblique, trunk muscle thickness, panoramic ultrasound

Language

english

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