Limb length discrepancy and gait parameters of amateur football players in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Football is a widely played sport globally. Limb length discrepancies have been found to be common among football players and these may lead to abnormal gait. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between limb length discrepancy (LLD) and gait parameters of amateur football players in Lagos State, Nigeria. Methods: Eighty-nine amateur football players participated in the cross-sectional study. They were recruited from different stadia in Lagos State. Limb length and gait parameters were measured using tape and footprint measurements. Results: The prevalence of real limb length discrepancy among the participants was 75% (n = 67). The results of this study showed that the right leg was the shorter leg in 60% (n = 53) of the participants. There was no significant correlation between gait parameters and limb length measurement. Conclusion: Although limb length discrepancy is common among amateur football players in Lagos State, the relationship between limb length and gait parameters is weak.