Differences in Trunk Muscle Strength (Lateral Flexor Group) between Male and Female Athletes

Abstract

The strength of the lateral flexor muscles in the trunk is necessary for maintaining stability in the rib cage, spinal column, and preventing a higher number of injuries, while also enhancing overall trunk muscle strength. This study, conducted in a transversal manner, aimed to identify gender-based differences in the strength of trunk lateral flexor muscles among university athletes in the younger senior age group. The study involved 46 athletes from the University of Novi Sad, comprising 25 male participants (height =181.27±6.28 cm; weight =78.31±12.14 kg; BMI =23.78±3.13 kg/m2; mean age =23.75±0.30) and 21 female participants (height =168.19±5.48 cm; weight = 3.72±5.94 kg; BMI =22.53±7.78 kg/m2; mean age =23.68±0.22). The results of the independent t-test revealed no statistically significant differences between the two gender groups based on dimorphic characteristics (p>0.05) in the assessment of trunk lateral flexor muscle strength. It is essential to consider other aspects of the locomotor system specific to each sport and discipline to effectively prevent injuries during training and decrease the overall injury rate.