Do left-footed soccer players have a playing advantage? Are they more or less likely to get injured? Does it even matter?
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.
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