Abstract
Purpose
This cross-sectional study aimed to establish normative strength data for hip abduction and adduction at both 0° and 60° of knee flexion, and hip internal and external rotation, in professional male Australian football players using the Vald ForceFrame system. A secondary aim was to explore correlations between these different hip and groin strength measures.
Methods
The Vald ForceFrame was used to obtain strength data for hip abduction, adduction, internal rotation, and external rotation from 45 professional male Australian football players at two pre-season and two in-season time points.
Results
Reference values for hip abduction at 0° and 60°, hip adduction at 0° and 60°, and hip internal rotation and external rotation are provided for asymptomatic athletes across an entire Australian Football League team. High correlations were found between hip internal rotation and external rotation strength; adduction at 0° and adduction: abduction at 0°; and, adduction at 0° and adduction at 60°. Moderate correlations were found between adduction at 0° and abduction at 60°; adduction: abduction at 0° and adduction at 60°; adduction at 60° and abduction at 60°; and, adduction at 60° and adduction: abduction at 60°. Player height and weight both significantly influenced strength parameters.
Conclusion
The normative data provided by this study offers a reference for professional male Australian football teams to interpret their players’ results, while also highlighting moderate and high correlations between different strength tests. This information can assist practitioners in accurately interpreting testing results and making informed modifications to athlete management.
