Positional differences in interlimb asymmetry in elite youth male futsal players

Background: Interlimb asymmetry has been associated with increased injury risk and impaired performance in athletes. Objective: This study aimed to analyse positional differences in interlimb asymmetry and unilateral functional performance among elite male youth futsal players. Methods: Eighty-three youth futsal players (age 17.2 ± 0.8 years) were assessed according to playing position (right/left winger, pivot, defender). Participants performed unilateral countermovement jump (CMJ), horizontal jump (HJ), and the 505 change of direction (COD 505) tests. Interlimb asymmetry was calculated for each test. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare asymmetry levels across positions. Pearson's correlations were computed to explore relationships between test-specific asymmetries. Players were also classified into high (≥10%) or low (<10%) asymmetry groups, and Chi-square tests were applied to assess associations with position. Results: No significant differences in interlimb asymmetry were observed between positions in CMJ (p = .61), HJ (p = .13), or COD 505 (p = .26), though HJ showed greater variability (η2 = .07). A significant correlation was found between CMJ and HJ asymmetries (r = .31, p < .001), suggesting shared neuromuscular demands. No association was found between asymmetry level and position in CMJ, HJ or COD 505. Additionally, 38.9% of pivots and 40.7% of right wingers exceeded the 10% asymmetry threshold in CMJ. Conclusions: Although interlimb asymmetries did not significantly differ across positions, the presence of asymmetries ≥10% in a notable proportion of players highlights the relevance of individualised monitoring in youth futsal. These findings support the use of asymmetry assessments as part of injury prevention strategies in elite and developmental settings.