The effects of strength asymmetry on cricket bowlers

Abstract

This research examined strength asymmetry in cricket bowlers by assessing muscle strength across four key muscle groups: shoulder positions (SHLD-I, SHLD-Y, SHLD-T), gluteals (GLUT), obliques (OBLIQUE), and calves (CALF). Using isometric testing on a sample of bowlers (n = 9), significant strength differences were found in the shoulder muscles SHLD-I and SHLD-T, favoring the dominant limb, while SHLD-Y showed moderate but non-significant asymmetry. In contrast, gluteal and oblique muscles exhibited minimal and statistically insignificant asymmetries, indicating more balanced development. The calves showed a small but notable dominance-related difference. These findings highlight that upper-limb strength asymmetries, particularly in the shoulders, are more pronounced due to the unilateral demands of bowling, whereas lower-limb and core muscles may benefit from more symmetrical loading. The study emphasizes the importance of targeted strength training to correct muscular imbalances, enhance performance, and reduce injury risk, and calls for further research into the long-term impacts of strength asymmetry on athletic performance and durability