Introduction: Based on current evidence, the difference in symmetry of lower limbs should not be greater than 10 %. The difference that is greater than 10 % and dynamic knee valgus, are two of the risk factors for sustaining knee injury. Purpose: The purpose of this master thesis was to display prevalence the lower limb symmetry and dynamic knee valgus in female handball players .Methods: The study included 100 female handball players, who have not had any knee or ankle injuries in the last six months. Hop tests were used to assess lower limb symmetry. Single leg squat test and Drop jump screening test were used to measure dynamic knee valgus. Results: The average age of the handball players was 20,2 ± 4,0 years, the average height was 170 ± 6,1 cm, and the body mass index 23,4 ± 2,9. 42 % of handball players have previously suffered from a knee or ankle injury. 22 % of the handball players had undergone knee surgery. The average value of the lower limb symmetry index of the four included hop tests was between 99 % and 102 %. The difference in lower limb symmetry was greater than 10 % in 46 % of the handball players in at least one hop test. Dynamic knee valgus measured by Single leg squat test was greater than 10° in 80 % of the handball players in the left knee, and 86 % in the right knee. Dynamic knee valgus measured by Drop jump screening test was greater than 10° in 31 % of the handball players in the left knee, and 30 % in the right knee. Discussion and conclusion: In the study we found that almost half of the participating handball players had a difference in lower limb symmetry greater than 10 % in at least one of four hop test. In more than 80 % of the handball players the dynamic valgus measured by One leg squat test was greater than 10°. The display of lower limb symmetry and dynamic knee valgus contributes towards raising awareness about the presence of the risk factors. The findings of this study are a foundation for a possible preventive program for improving knee control and symmetry of the lower limbs in handball players.
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