Research Corner - Q&A Leg Length Discrepancy by Tony Reynolds | Date Released : 01 May 2007 0 comments Print Close Question: I have a client who has one leg that is about an inch to an inch and a half longer than the other one. I have not been able to find much research regarding training protocols and exercises that would be good to do as well as exercises to avoid. Any suggestions? Thanks! Answer: If you have not done so already, you may want to assess this client and make certain there is truly a physical difference in bone length within the legs and not a hip or pelvic issue. If it is not a true leg length discrepancy, you may want to refer this individual to a medical professional. It may prove beneficial to refer this individual out either way so he or she can get fitted with a shoe lift. Rather than parallel bilateral stance activities, focus on unilateral and “stride out” (step forward with one foot) stance exercises. These types of activities will allow the client to level out the pelvis and evenly distribute load through the lumbar vertebra and discs. Here are some examples of such exercises: Linear, lateral, angular lunges Split squat Linear, lateral, x-over, rotational step up One leg squat Dumbbell or low pulley one leg RDL Staggered stance squat Low step up with ankle band abduction One leg stability ball wall squat Lunge or staggered stance and press Lunge, staggered stance or one leg low pulley row Shoulder work standing on one foot for half the reps and other foot for last half or from a stride or lunge position Push ups of assorted types One arm stability ball dumbbell or cable bench Body rows Lunge, stride or one leg high pull one arm pull down Hyper extensions Stability ball glut ham raises * For these exercises or variations, please search the PTN Exercise Library. A large percentage of upper body exercises can be done standing on one foot (switching half way through) or in a stride or lunge stance. Similarly, with lower body exercises, think about these three types of stances in addition to stepping up activities. As your client performs theses activities, make sure the pelvic position is controlled and the shoulders are kept square over the hips (unless it is not required for the exercise). Back to top About the author: Tony Reynolds Tony Reynolds, MS, CSCS, YCS II, is founder and Director of Performance for Progressive Sporting Systems incorporated in Terre Haute, Indiana. Tony graduated from Indiana State University with a Masters Degree in Sport Biomechanics. Since 2006, Tony has worked extensively with professional, college and high school athletes. His resume includes the International Performance Institute in Florida, the Cincinnati Reds, Indiana State University, Rose Hulman Institute of Technology, St Mary of the Woods and numerous high school teams. Currently, Tony is serving on the Executive Counsel and Board of Directors for the International Youth Conditioning Association. Through this position, he serves to manage and help develop the quickly growing organization. Tony is a co-author for the IYCA’s foundational textbook Developmental Essentials and is one of three elite lecturers that present and certify the IYCA’s Level II and III certifications. Tony has helped to design all three levels of the IYCA’s certification exams. Tony is a featured author and sport performance expert for many strength and conditioning resources including SportSpecific.com, Athlete.com, Bodybuilding.com, Completetrackandfield.com and Soccerspecific.com. Additionally, Tony has lectured for Indiana State Univeristy, presented at the Ryan Lee Bootcamp, IYCA Level II seminars and the Annual Midwest Strength, Conditioning & Rehabilitation Symposium. Full Author Details Related content Content from Tony Reynolds Surfer with Scoliosis Dr. Rob Orr | Articles Toe Walking Lenny Parracino | Articles Compacted Spine Jason Anderson | Articles Chop and Lift - Part 2 Gray Cook | Articles Bowleggedness Jeff Thaxton | Articles Chop and Lift - Part 1 Gray Cook | Articles Uneven Leg Length Stephen Holt | Articles SAQ: A Developmental Perspective - Part 2 Tony Reynolds | Articles Leg Length Discrepancy Tony Reynolds | Articles Horizontal Loading - The Missing Link Tony Reynolds | Articles Calf Raises Tony Reynolds | Articles SAQ: A Developmental Perspective - Part 1 Tony Reynolds | Articles High School Wrestler Tony Reynolds | Articles Building Mass Despite Shoulder Injury Tony Reynolds | Articles Separated Abdominals After Childbirth Tony Reynolds | Articles Gout in Ankle Tony Reynolds | Articles Kite Surfing Tony Reynolds | Articles Training After Trauma Tony Reynolds | Articles Spot Reduction for Calves Tony Reynolds | Articles Lax Cross Ligaments in the Knee Tony Reynolds | Articles Please login to leave a comment Comments (0) Back to top