Does soccer attenuate the asymmetry of rectus abdominis muscle observed in non-athletes?
Professional soccer is associated with marked hypertrophy of the rectus abdominis muscle, which achieves a volume that is 26% greater than in non-active controls. Soccer induces the hypertrophy of the non-dominant side in proximal regions and the dominant side in regions closer to pubic symphysis, which attenuates the pattern of asymmetry of rectus abdominis observed in non-active population. It remains to be determined whether the hypertrophy of rectus abdominis in soccer players modifies the risk of injury.
While it is not clear why a geographic bias was identified, a significant proportion of residents in our study attended a program in the same region as their medical school. This geographic association was strongest in the Midwest and South. Furthermore, a significant proportion of residents attended the program affiliated with their medical schools. This information is valuable to all future applicants as they choose where to apply, and to all residency programs as they decide how geographic location factors in to whom they decide to interview.