Comparison of Muscle Length in Dominant Versus NonDominant Lower Extremity in Young Asymptomatic Individuals- A Research Protocol

Abstract

Background: Muscle length is defined as the length at which the maximum amount of force a muscle is
able to produce. This length is determined by the joint angle corresponding to that muscle. Understanding
the optimal muscle length as well as its comparison between the extremities is very important as a part
of examination in physiotherapy, particularly in the cases of musculoskeletal disorders. Several tests are
available for testing the muscle length. However standardize and reliable tests have been chosen to prevent
the error while testing. Many studies have shown that there was difference in the lengths of muscle of lower
extremity which was assessed in different players. However there is paucity of study on the muscle length
of individuals who are completely normal and not the athletes.
Objectives: The objective of this study is comparison between the length of iliopsoas, hamstring,
gastrocnemius, rectus femoris in dominant to non-dominant extremity in young asymptomatic individuals
aged between 18-25 years.
Methods: Measurement of hamstring, iliopsoas, rectus femoris and gastrocnemius length will be acquired
through standard goniometer. The methods of assessment that will be used are; active knee extension (AKE)
tests the hamstrings, Thomas and modified Thomas test to evaluate iliopsoas and rectus femoris while prone,
figure-four position accompanied by dorsiflexion for gastrocnemius.
Results: Once the study is completed, the parameters of outcome measure will be statistically analyzed and
calculated.
Conclusion: Based on the previous data we assume that there can be a significant difference between the
muscle lengths of lower limb in normal person.