Virginia Via Research Day Book 2026

Medical Student Research Biomedical

P. Gunnar Brolinson DO; David Redden PhD; Elijah Akinade, MPH, OMS-II; Nicolas Kress, MS, OMS-II; Patryck Penar, MS, OMS-II; Jordan Welch, BS, OMS-II; Abigail Trivisonno; Ryan Siberg, MS, CSCS Corresponding author: ppenar@vcom.edu 05 ASPIRE: ATHLETE STRENGTH PERFORMANCE INTERVENTION FOR REDUCING ASYMMETRY: THE ASPIRE EVALUATION

VCOM-Virginia, Blacksburg, Virginia VCOM-Auburn, Auburn, Alabama United States Performance Center, Charlotte, North Carolina Context: Interlimb asymmetry is characterized by differences in strength, power, or neuromuscular control between limbs, and has been identified as a relevant factor in sports performance, injury risk, and post-injury recovery. Its implications are significant in high-demand sports such as soccer, football, and track and field, where movements such as rapid force production, repetitive loading, and reliance on explosive lower limb function are critical. Reducing lower inter-limb asymmetries has been shown to produce measurable improvements in sprinting, jumping, and overall athletic performance, emphasizing the importance of training strategies that promote balanced strength and movement efficiency between limbs. Objective: The primary objective of this study is to determine whether a structured, unilateral strength training intervention effectively reduces bilateral limb strength asymmetry in high-performing athletes. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using pre- and post-training data from 59

athletes between the ages 16 to 40 who completed a five-week unilateral training program at the United States Performance Center. Participants demonstrated ≥10% baseline asymmetry and were medically cleared for unrestricted activity. All participants completed the same supervised unilateral training protocol, targeting both upper and lower extremity movement patterns. Primary outcome measurements of the following movement categories: upper push (e.g., chest press), upper pull (e.g., upper row), lower push (e.g., leg press), and lower pull (e.g., leg curl). Key biomechanical variables, including resistance (lbs), power (watts), velocity (m/s), and range of motion (degrees). Results: Across all movement categories, unilateral training reduced limb asymmetry by an average of approximately 50% (mean change: -50.10%; 95% CI: -45.42% to -56.49%; p < 0.0001). Significant improvements were observed across all exercises, including leg press (-54.96%), upper row (-60.25%), chest press (-51.62%), and slow pull (-39.87%), each reaching p < 0.0001. There were no

statistically significant differences in the magnitude of improvement between exercises (p = 0.5568), indicating that the intervention was consistently effective across upper and lower body movements. Conclusion: Interlimb asymmetry is a recognized risk factor for injury in athletes. This study demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in asymmetry across all movement categories following a structured unilateral strength training program. These findings suggest that targeted unilateral interventions may effectively improve strength asymmetry in high-performing athletes. IRB Statement: This study is currently awaiting IRB approval from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine IRB in Blacksburg, VA. The IRBNet ID number is 2357861-1. We are optimistic that it will be completed before research day, as we believe the project qualifies for an exempt protocol.

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94 Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)