Normative and correlation data of hip and groin strength in professional male Australian football players

Purpose This cross-sectional study aimed to establish normative strength data for hip abduction and adduction at both 0 degrees and 60 degrees 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 degrees and 60 degrees, hip adduction at 0 degrees and 60 degrees, 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 degrees and adduction: abduction at 0 degrees; and, adduction at 0 degrees and adduction at 60 degrees. Moderate correlations were found between adduction at 0 degrees and abduction at 60 degrees; adduction: abduction at 0 degrees and adduction at 60 degrees; adduction at 60 degrees and abduction at 60 degrees; and, adduction at 60 degrees and adduction: abduction at 60 degrees. 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.