Strength asymmetries and their impact on landing dynamics during countermovement jump and drop jump tests in professional female basketball players

Injury prevention is a critical concern for female basketball players, particularly in preventing lower limb injuries associated with improper landing mechanics. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between muscle strength (knee, hip, ankle, and trunk) and landing kinematics during Countermovement Jump (CMJ) and Drop Jump (DJ) tasks in female basketball players. Specifically, the objectives were to (1) compare strength discrepancies between dominant and non-dominant limbs, (2) compare landing metrics during CMJ and DJ tasks, and (3) examine the interactions between muscle strength and landing, braking, and sway components to understand the specific role of these muscle groups in optimizing landing mechanics for female basketball players. A total of 25 professional female basketball players (age: 16.18 ± 1.74 years; height: 177.6 ± 7.44 cm; body weight: 66.21 ± 9.86 kg) participated in the study. Isokinetic muscle strength tests were conducted to assess knee, hip, ankle, and trunk strength. CMJ and DJ tests were performed on a force plate to evaluate landing mechanics. Significant strength differences were found between dominant and non-dominant limbs, with the dominant limb demonstrating greater strength in knee, hip, and ankle muscle groups (p < 0.05). Landing metrics revealed that non-dominant limbs exhibited higher peak braking forces, average braking forces, and sway measures during both CMJ and DJ tasks (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed negative significant relationships between muscle strength and landing/braking forces during both CMJ and DJ landing tasks (p < 0.05), highlighting an imbalance in strength between the two limbs that was associated with braking and landing forces. The findings highlight the significant role of lower limb and trunk muscle strength in optimizing landing mechanics and reducing injury risks in female basketball players. Specific muscle strength imbalances between limbs were associated with altered landing kinematics, suggesting that strength training interventions targeting both limbs could enhance performance and mitigate injury risks.