Associations Between Physical Performance and Asymmetry in Jump, Change of Direction, and Dorsiflexion Tests in Adult Elite Female Futsal Players

Abstract

Inter-limb asymmetries may negatively affect performance and increase injury risk in team sports, but evidence in women’s futsal remains scarce. This study examined the relationship between inter-limb asymmetries in vertical (countermovement jump, CMJ), horizontal (standing broad jump, SBJ), and reactive (drop jump, DJ) tests, ankle dorsiflexion (DF), and change of direction (COD; 505, L-Run, V-Cut) with physical performance variables in adult female futsal players. Thirty-two highly trained athletes from the Spanish Women’s Second Division (age: 23.4 ± 4.8 years) completed a testing battery including bilateral and unilateral jumps, linear sprints (5, 10, 15 m), COD tests, and ankle dorsiflexion. Asymmetries were calculated as percentage differences between limbs, and their associations with unilateral performance were analyzed using Pearson’s correlations. The highest asymmetries were observed in DJ (15.7 ± 13.3%) and DF (15.3 ± 13.3%), whereas L-Run and 505 displayed the lowest values. Significant moderate negative correlations were found between SBJ asymmetry and right leg SBJ performance (r = −0.356, p < 0.05), and between DF asymmetry and right leg DF (r = −0.494, p < 0.01). No other meaningful associations were identified, and agreement in the direction of asymmetry across tests was generally slight. These findings highlight the task-specific nature of inter-limb asymmetries and suggest that diverse unilateral assessments are needed to comprehensively monitor imbalances and inform targeted training interventions in female futsal.

1. Introduction

Women’s futsal is a demanding team sport that requires exceptional physical performance, characterized by repeated sprints, frequent accelerations and decelerations, rapid changes of direction (COD), and constant jumping actions during match play [1,2]. To meet these demands, players require advanced cardiorespiratory, neuromuscular, and metabolic capacities, as well as high levels of both aerobic and anaerobic endurance [3]. Because most of these actions are unilateral, the intermittent and explosive nature of futsal often leads to uneven load distribution between the lower limbs, which has fueled growing interest in examining inter-limb asymmetries (differences between the right and left legs) in relation to athletic performance [4,5,6]. A variety of methods are used to quantify such asymmetries, ranging from laboratory-based assessments (e.g., isokinetic dynamometry) [7] to more practical field-based tests such as unilateral vertical jumps (countermovement jump), horizontal jumps (broad jump), and COD assessments [8,9]. Investigating these asymmetries in athletic populations is of particular importance, since pronounced imbalances (>10% difference between limbs) may increase injury risk and reduce physical performance [10,11,12].

Futsal is a high-intensity team sport played between two teams of five players (four outfield players and one goalkeeper) on a 40 × 20 m court with 3 × 2 m goals. Matches consist of two halves of 20 min each, with a stopped clock, unlimited substitutions, and the option of a one-minute time-out per team in each half [13]. At the professional level, a season imposes substantial physiological, psychological, and physical demands on players due to the accumulation of training and competition hours over an extended season lasting several months [14,15]. This high competitive load, combined with the predominantly unilateral nature of futsal-specific actions, may increase the likelihood of developing functional asymmetries in players, thereby reducing performance and elevating the risk of injury [10,11,12]. Consequently, coaches and strength and conditioning practitioners should closely monitor the progression of asymmetries throughout the season and implement individualized training strategies aimed at mitigating the effects of accumulated practice, ultimately supporting performance maintenance and lowering injury risk in female futsal players [4,16].

Although research specifically focused on women’s futsal is extremely scarce, studies in female soccer players have reported mixed findings regarding the influence of inter-limb asymmetries on performance [8,17,18,19,20]. On the one hand, greater asymmetry between limbs has been reported to negatively affect performance in speed, COD, and power. For instance, in elite female soccer players, a 9% asymmetry in unilateral drop jump height was associated with poorer sprint performance over 10 m and 30 m (r = 0.52–0.58) and slower times in the 505 COD test (r = 0.52–0.66) [21]. Similarly, among female high-level players competing in the Spanish Soccer Second Division, those with greater imbalances in unilateral horizontal jumps tended to display lower vertical jump height and reduced ankle dorsiflexion range of motion [8]. A meta-analysis involving athletes from various sports confirmed that inter-limb asymmetries can slightly impair linear sprint and COD performance, finding small but significant correlations for COD (r = 0.24) and sprint times (r = 0.20), while no significant association was observed with bilateral jump height (r = 0.05, p = 0.87) [11]. In addition, another study in adult female soccer players reported a strong correlation (r = 0.68) between asymmetry in unilateral horizontal jump performance and slower 505 COD times, indicating that players with greater inter-limb imbalances changed direction less efficiently [22]. These findings highlight that pronounced asymmetries, particularly in unilateral jump tests, may reduce performance in explosive actions. On the other hand, several studies indicate that a certain degree of asymmetry does not necessarily compromise performance, especially in young or elite female populations. For example, adolescent female athletes have shown average asymmetries of 2–5% in COD and horizontal jump tasks and up to 12% in vertical jumps, without detrimental effects on sprint or COD performance [20]. Such discrepancies in the scientific literature suggest that the impact of asymmetry on performance may depend on factors such as the task assessed, the force application vector, the magnitude and direction of the imbalance, and the characteristics of the population studied (e.g., age, competitive level). Therefore, it is important to evaluate asymmetries individually and through multiple tests, since limb dominance may vary depending on the specific task, and a single test cannot accurately predict imbalances in other physical capacities [23].

Available evidence indicates that large asymmetries (>10%) in unilateral strength capacities may be associated with poorer outcomes in sprinting and COD performance, whereas moderate asymmetries may not interfere in well-trained athletes [17]. Bishop et al. [24] reported that values exceeding 15% could further increase injury risk, while maintaining asymmetries below 10% is commonly used as a reference in return-to-play decision-making. Previous studies have shown a fourfold higher injury risk when asymmetry surpasses this threshold [25]. In elite futsal, given the reduced dimensions of the court (40 × 20 m), players perform even more technical and high-speed actions per match compared with traditional soccer, which may amplify the impact of marked inter-limb imbalances on performance [26]. Research on women’s futsal has been growing in recent years [27,28,29,30]. However, studies specifically examining the relationship between asymmetries (in vertical and horizontal jumps, COD ability, or ankle dorsiflexion) and physical performance variables in this population remain scarce. Advancing knowledge in this area is crucial to understanding how these imbalances may influence players’ speed, agility, and power, and to inform training and prevention programs aimed at optimizing performance and reducing injury risk.

The main aim of this study was to examine the relationship between inter-limb asymmetries in vertical (CMJ) and horizontal (SBJ) jump tests, as well as COD and ankle dorsiflexion (DF), with physical performance variables in adult female futsal players. Moreover, the study aimed to explore the consistency in the direction of asymmetry across different tests to determine the task-specific nature of inter-limb imbalances. It was hypothesized that greater inter-limb asymmetries would be associated with poorer physical performance across the evaluated tests, and that the direction of asymmetries would remain consistent across different assessment types.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Participants

Thirty-two highly trained national-level (TIER 3) [31] female futsal players participated in this study (age: 23.37 ± 4.77 years; height: 161.19 ± 6.11 cm; body mass: 60.21 ± 8.66 kg). All players had a minimum of four years of futsal experience, and on average, they had accumulated 5.22 ± 3.79 years of competitive experience at the national level. The athletes were recruited during the 2023–2024 season from three different teams competing in the Spanish Second Division. An a priori power analysis (G*Power software version 3.1.9.6, University of Düsseldorf) for bivariate correlations (two-tailed, α = 0.05) indicated that detecting a large association (r = 0.50) would require a sample of 32 participants to achieve 85% power. The final sample therefore met the estimated requirement, ensuring adequate statistical power.

All participants had a minimum of four years of futsal experience and, at the time of testing, were engaged in three to four weekly training sessions of approximately 90 min each, in addition to one competitive match per weekend. Furthermore, players completed one to two conditioning sessions per week, lasting about 45 min per session.

Before participation, all players received detailed information regarding the aims, procedures, and potential health risks of the study. Participation was voluntary, and each player provided written informed consent, with the assurance that they could withdraw at any point. An initial questionnaire was also completed to record medical history. For athletes under 18 years old, parents or legal guardians were informed of the study’s purpose and procedures and provided consent by signing the required documentation. Ethical approval was obtained from the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Aragón (CEICA; reference number PI23-456), and all procedures complied with the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki.

2.2. Study Design

A cross-sectional approach was adopted to investigate inter-limb imbalances and indicators of physical performance in highly trained female futsal players. The participants were recruited from three teams competing in the Spanish Women’s Second Division during the 2023–2024 season. The testing battery included countermovement jumps (CMJ), drop jumps (DJ), standing broad jumps (SBJ), linear sprint tests over 5, 10, and 15 m, the V-Cut test, the L-Run test, the 505 change of direction test, and ankle dorsiflexion (DF).

To be included, players had to be injury-free at the time of testing and fully available for competition. Exclusion criteria comprised current or recent musculoskeletal injuries, any health condition preventing safe participation, or failure to complete the full testing protocol.

Testing was carried out during the competitive period, specifically towards the end of the first half of the futsal season (weeks 19–20 of a 42-week schedule), once the teams had completed the initial loading phase and were engaged in regular competition routines. The assessment protocol was divided into two sessions: a morning session (10:00–13:00) in the laboratory, during which jump tests and ankle dorsiflexion were assessed, and an evening session (19:00–21:00) in indoor sports facilities, where linear sprint and change of direction tests were performed. All tests were conducted on the same indoor parquet surface. Participants were instructed to refrain from strenuous physical activity for at least 24 h before testing. All assessments were conducted under consistent environmental conditions, with ambient temperatures ranging from 19 °C to 22 °C, and players wore their standard futsal training kit. Standardized instructions were provided for each procedure, and verbal encouragement was given to ensure maximal effort. To prepare for data collection, players completed two familiarization sessions during the preceding week, which included all the tests from the protocol. A structured warm-up based on the RAMP (rise, activate, mobilize, and potentiate) approach was performed prior to testing [32].

2.3. Procedures

To evaluate inter-limb asymmetries and physical performance, players completed a comprehensive battery of tests including CMJ, DJ, SBJ, DF, linear sprints over 5, 10, and 15 m, the 505 change of direction test, the L-Run test, and the V-Cut test. All assessments were administered and supervised by the same investigator to ensure consistency in data collection. The testing sequence was standardized and performed in the following order: CMJ, DJ, SBJ, DF, linear sprints (5, 10, and 15 m), 505, L-Run, and V-Cut. Reliability was ensured through intra-rater consistency, with high intraclass correlation coefficients and low coefficients of variation observed across all assessments, as reported in the respective subsections.

2.3.1. Bilateral and Unilateral Countermovement Jump

Vertical lower-limb power was evaluated through the CMJ performed on a force platform (Kistler, model 9260AA; Kistler Instruments Ltd. (Winterthur, Switzerland)). Jump height was calculated using the Kistler MARS analysis software. Assessments were carried out under bilateral (CMJ) as well as unilateral conditions for both the right (CMJ R) and left leg (CMJ L). Throughout the trials, participants were required to place their hands on their hips and maintain full leg extension during the flight phase [33]. Each athlete completed three attempts for each condition, separated by 30 s of rest, and the best performance was considered for analysis. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.97–0.99, and the coefficient of variation (CV) was 1.84–3.0%.

2.3.2. Drop Jump Bilateral and Unilateral

Lower-limb reactive strength was assessed through drop jumps (DJ) conducted on a force platform (Kistler, model 9260AA; Kistler Instruments Ltd.). Jump height was derived using the Kistler MARS analysis software. Testing involved both bilateral (DJ) and unilateral executions for the right (DJ R) and left leg (DJ L). In each trial, participants started from a 30 cm box [34], stepped off with a single leg or both legs depending on the test, and were instructed to land on the platform and immediately perform a maximal vertical rebound [35]. During the flight phase, players maintained their hands on their hips and ensured full leg extension. Each athlete completed three trials per condition, with 30 s of recovery between efforts, and the highest score was retained for analysis. The reliabilities were 0.95–0.97 and 2.7–4.5% for ICC and CV, respectively.

2.3.3. Bilateral and Unilateral Broad Jump

Horizontal explosive capacity was evaluated using the standing broad jump (SBJ), carried out under both bilateral and unilateral conditions (SBJ R and SBJ L). Athletes initiated each attempt from a stationary position behind the take-off line and were instructed to propel themselves forward to the greatest possible distance, employing a coordinated arm action and allowing natural flexion at the hips, knees, and ankles during the propulsion phase. Performance was quantified using a precision tape measure (0.01 m), placed perpendicular to the start line, with the measurement taken from the line to the posterior heel upon landing [36]. Each participant executed three trials per condition, with 30 s of recovery between jumps, and the top result was retained for analysis. Reliability analysis indicated ICC of 0.94–0.97 and CV between 2.1 and 3.3%.

2.3.4. Lineal Sprint Test

Sprint performance was evaluated through trials conducted over 5, 10, and 15 m. Timing was registered with double-beam photocells (Witty, Microgate, Bolzano, Italy), positioned 0.75 m above the ground and spaced 1.5 m apart. At the start, athletes placed their lead foot 0.5 m behind the initial timing gate and began the sprint voluntarily. Each participant carried out two attempts for each distance, with a minimum passive recovery of three minutes between efforts. The fastest result was retained for analysis. Reliability measures showed ICC ranging from 0.70 to 0.91, and CV between 1.5 and 3.3%.

2.3.5. Change of Direction Test (505 Modified Test, L-Run, and V-Cut)

Change-of-direction performance was assessed through three established protocols: the 505, L-Run, and V-Cut tests. Measurements were obtained using double-beam photocells (Witty, Microgate, Bolzano, Italy) set 0.75 m above the ground and spaced 1.5 m apart, ensuring accurate timing. At the beginning of each attempt, athletes positioned their lead foot 0.5 m behind the first timing gate. Each condition was performed twice, with a minimum passive recovery of three minutes between efforts, and the fastest trial was selected for analysis.

• 505 modified Test. In this protocol, athletes sprinted from the start/finish line to the 5 m marker, made contact with one foot, and executed a 180° turn before accelerating back to the starting line [37]. The test was conducted with both the right (505 R) and left leg (505 L), and the quickest time for each side was retained for analysis. The ICC values were 0.71–0.75 and the CV were 2.6–3.3%.
• L-Run Test. Three cones were placed in an “L” shape, 5 m apart. From the starting position, players ran 5 m forward before turning 90° to the right (L-Run R) or to the left (L-Run L), sprinted another 5 m, performed a 180° turn, and retraced the course back to the start/finish line [38]. The ICC values were 0.81–0.85 and the CV were 2.25–3.5%.
• V-Cut Test. Players completed a 25 m sprint that included four 45° directional changes every 5 m. At each change of direction, athletes were required to cross a line marked on the floor with one foot, delimited by a gate of cones placed 0.7 m apart [39]. The ICC value was 0.93 and the CV was 1.9%.

2.3.6. Ankle Dorsiflexion Test

Ankle dorsiflexion mobility was evaluated using the Leg Motion device (IntelliBrands, LLC, Doral, FL, USA). Participants positioned the test foot along the measurement scale and were instructed to execute a forward lunge while keeping the heel firmly in contact with the platform. The action continued until the anterior part of the knee made contact with the vertical metal bar, ensuring that the heel did not lift from the surface [40]. The maximum dorsiflexion angle was determined as the furthest distance reached between the tip of the toes and the bar, provided that the heel remained grounded and the knee maintained contact with the bar for at least three seconds. The ICC values were 0.99–0.99 and the CV were 2.8–3.5%.

2.4. Statical Analysis

All statistical procedures were conducted using SPSS software (Version 28.0; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation, SD) were computed for each performance outcome and asymmetry index. The assumption of normality was examined with the Shapiro–Wilk test. Limb asymmetries were expressed as percentages according to the following Formula (1):

Interlimb asymmetry = 100/Max Value (right and left)*Min Value (right and left)* − 1 + 100.

(1)

Positive asymmetry scores denoted better performance of the right limb, while negative values indicated superiority of the left limb. To identify systematic bias in the extent of asymmetries across physical assessments, a one-way repeated measures ANOVA was applied. Furthermore, Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated to explore the relationships between asymmetry indices and unilateral performance variables (right and left side). Correlation strength was classified according to Hopkins et al. [41] as trivial (<0.1), small (0.1–0.29), moderate (0.3–0.49), large (0.5–0.69), very large (0.7–0.89), nearly perfect (0.9–0.99), and perfect (=1). Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05.

Finally, Cohen’s kappa coefficient (κ) was used to assess the consistency of the direction of asymmetry (i.e., dominant side) across tests. Interpretation of kappa values: poor (≤0), slight (0.01–0.20), fair (0.21–0.40), moderate (0.41–0.60), substantial (0.61–0.80), almost perfect (0.81–0.99), and perfect (1.00) [42].

3. Results

Descriptive statistics for all physical performance variables and inter-limb asymmetries are presented in

Table 1. Descriptive outcomes of physical performance and inter-limb asymmetry measures in adult female futsal players.

Test	Mean ± SD	Asymmetry (%)	p
CMJ R	12.7 ± 2.29	11.1 ± 9.1	0.052
CMJ L	13.4 ± 2.65
SBJ R	139.2 ± 18.1	8.2 ± 7.5	0.982
SBJ L	139.2 ± 17.3
DJ R	12.4 ± 2.85	15.7 ± 13.3	0.093
DJ L	12.7 ± 2.47
505 R	2.82 ± 0.10	3.0 ± 2.1	0.246
505 L	2.84 ± 0.14
LRUN R	5.85 ± 0.28	1.9 ± 1.6	0.621
LRUN L	5.87 ± 0.29
DF R	9.45 ± 2.85	15.3 ± 13.3	0.093
DF L	10.0 ± 2.35
5 m	1.14 ± 0.05
10 m	1.96 ± 0.09
15 m	2.71 ± 0.11
V-Cut	7.59 ± 0.49
CMJ	25.5 ± 4.08
SBJ	172.3 ± 17.5
DJ	24.5 ± 4.25

CMJ: Countermovement Jump; SBJ: Standing Broad Jump; DJ: Drop Jump; LRUN: L-Run test; 505: 505 Change of Direction Test; DF: Ankle Dorsiflexion Test; R: Right; L: Left; V-Cut: V-Cut Change of Direction Test.

. The highest asymmetry values were observed in the drop jump (DJ: 15.7 ± 13.3%), dorsiflexion test (DF: 15.3 ± 13.3%), and countermovement jump (CMJ: 11.1 ± 9.1%). Lower levels of asymmetry were found in the L-Run test (1.93 ± 1.62%) and 505 test (3.02 ± 2.10%). The one-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed no statistically significant differences in the magnitude of asymmetries across the main jumping tests (CMJ, SBJ, DJ) (p > 0.05).

Pearson’s correlation analysis (

Table 2. Relationships between inter-limb asymmetries and physical performance variables based on Pearson’s correlation coefficients.

	CMJ ASY	SBJ ASY	DJ ASY	505 ASY	LRUN ASY	DF ASY
CMJ	−0.028	−0.243	0.01	−0.142	0.216	−0.3
CMJ R	−0.191	−0.184	−0.26	−0.121	−0.084	−0.254
CMJ L	0.09	−0.041	−0.283	−0.131	0.081	−0.149
SBJ	−0.109	−0.204	−0.135	−0.031	−0.012	−0.04
SBJ R	−0.102	−0.356 *	−0.001	−0.143	−0.077	−0.1
SBJ L	−0.118	−0.323	−0.027	−0.21	−0.057	0.029
DJ	−0.091	−0.179	−0.132	−0.044	0.205	−0.153
DJ R	−0.068	−0.161	−0.221	−0.214	−0.095	−0.144
DJ L	−0.064	−0.117	−0.281	−0.251	−0.035	−0.125
505 R	0.169	0.283	0.095	−0.012	0.195	−0.034
505 L	0.008	0.246	0.152	0.036	0.244	0.018
LRUN R	0.29	0.221	0.175	0.03	0.229	0.245
LRUN L	0.138	0.127	0.013	−0.017	0.082	0.339
DF R	−0.052	−0.187	0.253	−0.059	−0.17	−0.494 *
DF L	−0.113	−0.049	0.107	0.01	−0.271	−0.148
5 m	0.137	−0.125	−0.073	−0.062	0.324	0.084
10 m	−0.022	0.133	0.058	−0.025	0.287	0.057
15 m	0.126	0.238	0.118	0.029	0.248	0.097
V-Cut	0.102	0.313	0.306	0.106	0.083	0.172

CMJ: Countermovement Jump; SBJ: Standing Broad Jump; DJ: Drop Jump; LRUN: L-Run test; 505: 505 Change of Direction Test; V-Cut: V-Cut Change of Direction Test; DF: Ankle Dorsiflexion Test; R: Right; L: Left; ASY: Asymmetry (%). * p < 0.05.

) revealed a significant moderate negative association between SBJ asymmetry and right-leg SBJ performance (r = −0.356, p < 0.05). Furthermore, a significant moderate negative relationship was identified between DF asymmetry and right-leg DF values (r = −0.494, p < 0.01). No additional significant associations emerged between asymmetry indices and performance outcomes across jumping, sprinting, or change-of-direction assessments. The majority of correlations ranged from trivial to small in magnitude.

Agreement in the direction of asymmetry across different tests was generally slight, as indicated by low kappa values (

Table 3. Kappa coefficients for agreement in direction of asymmetry between different physical tests.

Test Comparison	Kappa Coefficient	Descriptor
UCMJ-USBJ	0.03	Slight
UCMJ-UDJ	1	Perfect
UCMJ-505	−0.11	Slight
UCMJ-LRUN	0.03	Slight
UCMJ-UDF	−0.11	Slight
USBJ-UDJ	0.03	Slight
USBJ-505	0.08	Slight
USBJ-LRUN	1	Perfect
USBJ-UDF	0.08	Slight
UDJ-505	−0.11	Slight
UDJ-LRUN	0.03	Slight
UDJ-UDF	−0.11	Slight
505-LRUN	0.08	Slight
505-UDF	1	Perfect
LRUN-UDF	0.08	Slight

UCMJ: Unilateral Countermovement Jump; USBJ: Unilateral Standing Broad Jump; UDJ: Unilateral Drop Jump; LRUN: L-Run test; 505: 505 Change of Direction Test; UDF: Unilateral Ankle Dorsiflexion Test; R: Right; L: Left.

), which ranged from −0.11 to 0.08. However, perfect agreement (κ = 1) was observed between three test pairs: UCMJ–UDJ, USBJ–LRUN, and 505–UDF.

Figure 1 and Figure 2 depict inter-limb differences across UCMJ, USBJ, UDJ, 505, LRUN, and UDF tests, emphasizing the variability observed in both the magnitude and direction of asymmetry.

4. Discussion

The principal outcomes of this investigation indicate a significant moderate negative association between asymmetry in the horizontal jump (ASY SBJ) and right-leg performance in the same test (SBJ R; r = −0.356, p < 0.05), suggesting that higher levels of imbalance are linked to reduced unilateral output in adult female futsal athletes. In addition, DF asymmetry showed a significant moderate correlation with right-leg dorsiflexion range (r = −0.494, p < 0.01), underlining the functional consequences of ankle mobility discrepancies. No further significant associations were observed between jumping or change-of-direction asymmetries and performance variables. Consistency in the direction of asymmetry across tests was generally slight, with perfect agreement (κ = 1) detected only between UCMJ–UDJ, USBJ–LRUN, and 505–UDF. These results reinforce the task-specific nature of asymmetry and highlight that asymmetries in unilateral jumping or mobility may impact specific performance metrics without generalizing across other tasks.

Several systematic reviews and recent studies support the notion that asymmetries observed in unilateral tests reflect imbalances in muscular strength or power across athletes from different sports disciplines [7,11,43,44]. In the present study, greater asymmetry in the SBJ was associated with poorer unilateral performance in the SBJ R, suggesting that players with larger inter-limb imbalances exhibit reduced unilateral horizontal jump power (SBJ R; r = −0.356, p < 0.05). One study [23] reported asymmetries of 11.2% in the CMJ and 6.4% in the horizontal jump among semi-professional soccer players, values very similar to those found in the present study (CMJ ASY: 11.1%; SBJ ASY: 8.2%). Conversely, Roso-Moliner et al. [8] and Villanueva-Guerrero et al. [45] reported lower asymmetry values in jump tests (CMJ: 8.1% to 5.7%; SBJ: 3.7% to 2.1%) in female soccer players and youth futsal players, respectively. Several studies have also shown that asymmetries tend to be more pronounced in vertical jumps than in horizontal ones [8,45,46], underscoring the importance of test specificity when evaluating asymmetries. With respect to COD performance, the current study did not identify significant correlations between horizontal jump asymmetry (SBJ ASY) and COD outcomes, with correlation coefficients ranging from r = 0.13 to r = 0.28 (p > 0.05). Nonetheless, earlier research has reported positive relationships between these measures. For instance, Svynos et al. [22] observed a significant positive association (r = 0.68, p < 0.05) between unilateral horizontal jump asymmetry and right-leg COD time in adult female football players. Similarly, the systematic review conducted by Lin et al. [47] indicated that vertical jump asymmetries (DJ) are more consistently associated with reduced COD performance.

In the present study, a significant negative correlation was also observed between ankle dorsiflexion asymmetry (DF ASY) and dorsiflexion range of motion in the right leg. This finding suggests that players with greater imbalances in ankle mobility exhibit reduced dorsiflexion on the right side. Previous research has indicated that restrictions in dorsiflexion increase injury risk by altering lower-limb mechanics [48]. Although few studies have directly examined the relationship between dorsiflexion asymmetry and performance, adequate dorsiflexion has been shown to improve impact absorption, thereby enhancing jump and sprint performance [49]. Roso-Moliner et al. [8] reported that greater asymmetries in horizontal jump performance were associated with a reduced dorsiflexion range in both legs (r = −0.41).

By contrast, the other asymmetries analyzed in this study did not show significant correlations with the different physical performance tests. One study [17] found that asymmetries derived from vertical jumps were not associated with sprint speed or sprint power in professional soccer players (r = 0.50 to 0.73; p < 0.05). A recent futsal study examined different types of asymmetries and reported that less-trained players exhibited greater morphological and neuromuscular imbalances compared with elite players, who did not present relevant bilateral differences in the evaluated parameters [50]. Mainer-Pardos et al. [9] demonstrated that vertical jump (CMJ) asymmetries are more pronounced in younger players (U14), but progressively decrease with age and improvements in physical and sport-specific development, being lower in adult players. This finding suggests that in athletes with a lower training level, asymmetries may be more pronounced and constraint performance, whereas in highly trained players, such as those included in the present study, moderate levels of asymmetry may not be sufficient to compromise physical performance.

Finally, low agreement in the direction of asymmetries was observed across the different tests performed, except for UCMJ-UDJ, USBJ-LRUN y 505-UDF (k = 1). The limb that showed superior performance in one test was not necessarily the same in the others. Our findings are consistent with the literature emphasizing the task-specific nature of asymmetries. Roso-Moliner et al. [8] reported that dorsiflexion, vertical jump, horizontal jump, and COD asymmetries rarely favored the same side, indicating that each test reveals distinct imbalances. Madruga-Parera et al. [46] found near-zero Kappa coefficients when analyzing different jumps, suggesting that asymmetries seldom coincided in favoring the same limb across tests. Mainer-Pardos et al. [19] demonstrated that the direction of asymmetries may even change over the course of a season, reinforcing the need for periodic evaluations to track their evolution over time. Similarly, studies in basketball have shown that asymmetries in different jumps and COD tests display very low agreement in the preferred limb, confirming that inter-limb imbalances do not generalize across physical capacities [51,52]. In practice, this implies that inter-limb asymmetries are specific to each evaluated movement. Thus, a player may exhibit right-leg dominance in a vertical jump but left-leg dominance in COD. Therefore, it is recommended to implement multiple unilateral tests (in different directions and movement patterns) to obtain a comprehensive assessment of asymmetries and to plan training according to the demands of each movement.

From a practical perspective, the results of this study reinforce the importance for coaches and strength and conditioning practitioners to monitor asymmetries periodically throughout the season. It is recommended to use a varied battery of unilateral tests to obtain a more comprehensive view of potential interlimb imbalances. Continuous evaluation facilitates the early detection of players with greater discrepancies and supports the planning of individualized interventions aimed at optimizing performance and reduction injury risk.

Among the main limitations of this study are the relatively small sample size and the absence of a longitudinal design, which makes it difficult to establish strong causal relationships between asymmetries and performance. In addition, although all participants competed in the same category and reported similar overall training volume, they belonged to three different teams. This factor could represent a source of bias, as differences in their specific training routines and habits may have influenced the results. Moreover, the use of specific field-based tests, while practical, may restrict the generalizability of the findings to other populations and competitive contexts. Furthermore, the relatively small and homogeneous sample prevented subgroup analyses (e.g., based on age, competitive experience, or limb dominance). In addition, although limbs were analyzed according to anatomical laterality (left/right), this approach does not capture the functional notion of limb dominance. Future research should therefore explore whether the functionally dominant or skillful limb is also dominant in terms of physical performance outcomes such as jumping or change of direction ability, which would provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying interlimb asymmetries. Therefore, future research should aim to include larger and more diverse cohorts, as well as adopt longitudinal designs, to examine how these factors may influence asymmetries, their evolution over time, and their potential impact on both performance and injury incidence.

5. Conclusions

This study demonstrates that only certain asymmetries (BJ and DF) showed a moderate association with unilateral performance, whereas most of the imbalances analyzed did not have a significant effect on the physical performance of female futsal players. Moreover, the low agreement in the direction of asymmetries across the different assessments confirms the task-specific nature of these measures. These findings suggest that coaches should evaluate asymmetries through a varied battery of unilateral tests and design interventions aimed at balancing the limbs in the most relevant specific capacities. Future research should determine whether correcting these detected asymmetries translates into improved performance under real match conditions.