Abstract
Hip and groin injuries are prevalent in team sports involving high-intensity
actions and multi-directional activities. A hip adductor strength test is a
widely used tool to assess hip adduction strength, which is a key risk factor
for these injuries. Despite its common usage, there is a lack of standardized
guidelines regarding the measurement protocol, leading to inconsistent and
unreliable applications. This review aims to synthesize existing research on hip
adductor strength testing, highlighting the importance of developing clear
guidelines for its implementation. This review covers various aspects of the
test, including pre-test warm-up protocols, body positioning, device placement,
test execution, verbal commands, data collection and selection, and timing of
tests. Key findings suggest that standardized warm-up routines, consistent body
and device positioning, clear verbal commands, and specific criteria for
invalidating test trials are critical for enhancing the reliability and accuracy
of the test. Furthermore, consistent timing and the documentation of test
conditions are essential for effective athlete monitoring and injury prevention.
By establishing and adhering to these guidelines, sports scientists and medical
personnel can make well-informed decisions about athletes’ hip adduction
strength, ultimately improving injury prevention and performance outcomes in
sports.
Keywords
squeeze test - elite - soccer - football - testing - technology
