Understanding the interaction between musculoskeletal variables is essential for identifying dysfunction, preventing injuries, and improving athletic performance. Ankle dorsiflexion and hip function are crucial for dynamic activities such as jumping. Although the Hop Test is widely used to assess functional capacity, the interaction between these variables and their impact on performance remains underexplored. In this context, asymmetry between the lower limbs can compromise performance and increase the risk of injuries, making it essential to identify and correct these discrepancies to enhance performance and prevent musculoskeletal deficiencies.

To investigate the correlation of ankle and hip joints mobility and strength asymmetry with the performance of Hop Test in physically active individuals. The study aims to understand how these variables are related with functional capacity and physical performance in activities that require jumping and stability in physically active individuals.

This is a cross-sectional study using data from the Physiotherapy Assessment Tool (PHAST) database. The sample consisted of 200 physically active individuals (124 men, 76 women, 97% with right lower limb dominance), aged 18-56 years (mean = 35.01; SD = 8.71), with an average height of 172.8cm and weight of 72.84kg. Participants underwent the following clinical measurements: passive hip internal rotation (IR) ROM, ankle dorsiflexion ROM, hip extensor and abductors repetition test, and the single Hop Test. Pearson&apos;s correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis were performed to examine the associations between asymmetry scores, musculoskeletal variables, and hop test performance, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

Greater asymmetry was observed in ankle dorsiflexion ROM (> 10%) in 42.5% of individuals, in hip extensors repetition test (> 10%) in 51.5% of volunteers, and in hip abduction repetition test (> 10%) in 60% of the sample. Regarding single Hop Test performance, an asymmetry greater than 10% was observed in 27.5% of participants. Although correlations were weak, they were statistically significant between hip extensors function (r = 0.18 and p = 0.009 on the dominant side [DS]; and r = 0.19 and p = 0.005 on the non-dominant side [NDS]) and dorsiflexion ROM (r = 0.19 and p = 0.006 on the DS; and r = 0.19 and p = 0.004 on the NDS) when compared to Hop Test performance.

The observed correlations and asymmetries suggest that hip extensors function and dorsiflexion ROM have a significant, albeit weak, relationship with single Hop Test performance. Additionally, asymmetries in variables related to the hip abduction repetition test, hip extensors repetition test and ankle dorsiflexion ROM indicate potential areas for future studies focusing on interventions that could be explored to improve symmetry and physical performance, particularly in activities involving jumping and joint stability.

The results of this study highlight the importance of understanding the contribution of hip variables and the ankle/foot complex to Hop Test performance, as well as to injury prevention and functional capacity improvement. These findings emphasize the need to address dysfunctions and asymmetries by implementing strategies to prevent injuries and optimize physical performance, especially in activities that require jumping and joint stability.