The aim was to examine the directionality of global training effects in middle-aged women after unilateral training. Thirty-nine middle-aged female volunteers (59.4 +/- 5.4 years) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) Unilateral Dominant Lower Limb Training (UDLT); (2) Unilateral Non-Dominant Lower Limb Training (UNDLT) or (3) Control group. Outcome measures assessing isometric strength, static and dynamic balance were recorded at baseline, and 1 week after 12 weeks (post-test) of training or no-intervention. The net cross education adaptation changes of the contralateral quadriceps isometric maximum voluntary (MVC) force (F(2,34) = 4.33; p = 0.022), Stork balance score (F(2,34) = 4.26; p = 0.023) and the Star Excursion Balance test score (F(2,34) = 11.80; p = 0.001) were asymmetrical in the UNDLT group and on average, exceeded the UDLT group. The results demonstrated asymmetrical cross education training adaptations with unilateral training of non-dominant leg (UNDLT) to contralateral homologous and heterologous muscles, with the exception of knee flexor MVC. The results of this study provide a novel exercise or rehabilitation strategy that can be employed when one of the limbs is affected.

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