Effects of Sex and Leg Dominance on Lower Extremity Alignment in Youth Korean Taekwondo Sparring Athletes: An Observational Study

PURPOSE: To compare lower extremity alignment in young taekwondo-sparring athletes according to sex and leg dominance.METHODS: Ninety-five young Taekwondo sparring athletes participated in this study. Additionally, 12 lower extremity alignment measurements (hip anteversion, Q-angle, tibiofemoral angle, genu recurvatum, navicular height, rearfoot and forefoot alignment, pelvic tilt, and tibial torsion) were obtained. An independent t-test was used to determine the differences in lower-extremity alignment based on sex and leg dominance.RESULTS: Standing and supine Q-angles, standing and supine tibiofemoral angles, genu recurvatum, and rearfoot alignment (prone) differed significantly between dominant and non-dominant legs, with variations observed by sex (<i>p</i><.05). For the non-dominant leg, significant sex-related differences were observed in standing and supine Q-angles, standing and supine tibiofemoral angles, genu recurvatum, as well as rearfoot (prone) and forefoot alignment. Hip anteversion also differed with leg dominance (<i>p</i><.05).CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that women may be at a higher risk of knee and ankle injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament tears and lateral ankle sprains, compared to men due to greater deformities in lower extremity alignment which could negatively impact the skills and movements required for taekwondo sparring. Therefore, trainers and clinicians should consider implementing prevention programs to reduce injuries to specific body parts among women according to their alignment outcomes. In addition, evaluation of lower-extremity alignment is essential to minimize potential injuries.