ABSTRACT

Background: Laterality preference is important for balance and isokinetic strength.

Aim: To investigate the relationship between isokinetic arm and knee strengths and balance performance with respect to lateral preference. Methods: Twenty four healthy university students (12 right-handers, 12 left-handers) performed knee flexion/extension strength values at velocities of 60°/s and 180°/sand supination/pronation strength values at velocities of 30°/s and 120°/s using an isokinetic dynamometer. Moreover, they performed static and dynamic balance. Results: There were high negative correlation between support leg static balance and right arm 30°/s supination strength (r= -0.773 p<0.05) and right arm 120°/s supination strength (r=-0.832, p<0.05) in left-handers. There were moderate positive correlation between support leg static balance and 30°/s supination strength (r= 0.722, p<0.05) and right arm 120°/s supination strength (r=0.551, p<0.05) in right-handers. Similarly, there is a moderate positive correlation between support leg dynamic balance and right arm 30°/s strength (r=0.548, p<0.05) and a moderate positive correlation between dominant leg dynamic balance and left arm 120°/s strength (r=0.624, p<0.05) in right-handers. There is no statistically significant relationship between isokinetic leg strength and static and dynamic balance values in either group.

Conclusion: Arm strength has a positive effect on support leg static balance in left-handers.

Keywords: Isokinetic, laterality, balance, relationship, strength