Hip adduction and abduction strength profiles in elite, sub-elite and amateur Australian footballers

Objectives It has been reported that obtaining an adduction-to-abduction strength ratio of 90–100%, and an adduction strength equal to that of the uninjured side, are suitable clinical milestones for return to sport following groin injury. Little is known about hip adduction and abduction strength profiles in Australian footballers. This study aimed to compare isometric hip adduction and abduction strength profiles between preferred and non-preferred kicking legs in elite, sub-elite and amateur Australian footballers. Design Cross sectional study Methods 36 elite, 19 sub-elite and 18 amateur Australian footballers, with a mean age of 24, 19 and 23 years respectively, were included. Maximal hip isometric adduction and abduction strength were measured using a hand held dynamometer with external belt fixation. Results There were no significant differences in isometric hip adduction (p = 0.262) or abduction (p = 0.934) strength, or the adduction-to-abduction ratio (p = 0.163), between preferred and non-preferred kicking legs, regardless of playing level. Elite players had significantly greater isometric hip adduction and abduction strength than both sub-elite (mean difference; adduction = 46.01 N, p < 0.001, abduction = 30.79 N, p = 0.003) and amateur players (mean difference; adduction = 78.72 N, p < 0.001, abduction = 59.11 N, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the adduction-to-abduction ratio between the playing levels (p = 0.165). Conclusions No significant differences were found between preferred and non-preferred kicking legs across the playing levels for isometric hip adduction, abduction or the adduction-to-abduction ratio. This may have implications for developing groin injury prediction and return to sport criteria in Australian footballers.