Several studies have included left versus right-sided dominance as a factor in the number of sports injuries. The results of a recent Canadian study of 21 teenaged soccer teams support this idea. More than 300 boys and girls ages 12 to 18 were included.

A few studies have focused on this topic. One study reported left-handers saw a doctor for injuries more than right-handers. The study covered a year's time. A higher number of the left-handers were hospitalized for treatment of injuries during that year. And more left-handers than right-handers reported having surgery for treatment of an injury.

More parents of left-handers say their children are clumsier than the average child. Overall left-side dominance seems to be a risk factor for injury among school-aged athletes. Scientists aren’t sure why this is true. It may be related to left-sided dominant people living and playing in a right-handed world. Perhaps there are neurologic differences that translate into functional differences.

Carolyn A. Emery, PT, PhD, et al. Evaluation of Risk Factors for Injury in Adolescent Soccer. Implementation and Validation of an Injury Surveillance System. In The American Journal of Sports Medicine. December 2005. Vol. 33. No. 12. Pp. 1882-1891.

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