The Hip Adduction Strength Test measures isometric force output during hip adduction. The client pushes the leg inward against a Muscle Meter, handheld dynamometer, strap, fixed setup or squeeze device while the professional controls pelvis, trunk and limb position. When used on its own, the Muscle Meter primarily measures peak force. When used with Measurz, additional force-time metrics may be recorded or analysed depending on the setup, protocol and data quality. The result should be interpreted alongside symptoms, hip range of motion, groin pain response, pelvic control, gait, sport or work demands, baseline comparison and repeated testing.
Hip adduction strength is important for walking, running, kicking, cutting, sprinting, skating, change of direction, groin load tolerance, trunk-pelvis control and lower-limb force transfer.
The main contributors to hip adduction include:
adductor longus
adductor brevis
adductor magnus
gracilis
pectineus
obturator externus
trunk and pelvis stabilisers that help control body position during resisted effort
A Muscle Meter or handheld dynamometer can help quantify hip adduction force rather than relying only on visual observation, manual muscle testing grades or subjective squeeze strength. This makes baseline testing, side-to-side comparison and progress tracking more objective.
Hip adduction strength is commonly assessed in sport and lower-limb performance settings. In football and other field sports, reduced adductor strength or painful squeeze testing may provide useful context for hip and groin assessment, but it does not diagnose a condition on its own. Research on the Copenhagen five-second squeeze test investigated validity, reliability and responsiveness for sports-related hip and groin function, pain and severity in football players, supporting its use as a monitoring tool rather than a stand-alone diagnosis.
The test does not diagnose adductor strain, groin pain source, hip joint pathology, pubic-related pain, nerve involvement or readiness to return to sport or work on its own. It is a strength measurement that should be interpreted with the broader assessment.
The Hip Adduction Strength Test measures how much force a client can produce when moving the thigh toward the midline against a fixed or resisted device.
In a Muscle Meter or handheld dynamometer setup, the client usually performs a make test:
the device stays still
the client gradually builds force
the client pushes into the device as hard as safely possible
the peak or average force is recorded
For this article, the default version is a push test / make test. The client attempts to adduct the hip while the Muscle Meter or handheld dynamometer resists movement at the medial thigh, knee or ankle region, depending on the chosen protocol.
Hip adduction may also be tested as a squeeze test, where the device is placed between the knees or ankles and the client squeezes inward. Short-lever adductor squeeze testing at 0 degrees and 45 degrees has been reported as reliable using handheld dynamometry, but the 0-degree test may produce greater force values than the 45-degree test, reinforcing that test position must be recorded and repeated consistently.
A strap-stabilised or fixed setup may also be used. This can reduce the influence of assessor strength and improve consistency, especially when testing stronger clients.
A systematic review of lower-extremity handheld dynamometry reported that reliability and validity can be influenced by muscle group, evaluator proficiency and protocol standardisation. This is especially relevant for hip adduction because pelvis position, trunk movement, lever length and device placement can all change the score.
The Muscle Meter is a handheld dynamometry tool used to measure force output during push, pull and isometric strength assessments. When used on its own, the Muscle Meter primarily measures peak force, which is the highest force value produced during the test.
When the Muscle Meter is used with Measurz, the assessment can be recorded, analysed and interpreted with a broader set of strength and force-time metrics. Depending on the test setup, protocol and available data, Measurz and the Muscle Meter can be used to assess and record:
Peak force
Impulse
Torque
Rate of torque development
Rate of force development
Time to peak
Fatigue index
These metrics help professionals move beyond a single strength number and better understand how force is produced, how quickly it is produced, how long it is sustained, and how performance changes across repeated efforts.
For the Hip Adduction Strength Test, the most useful routine metric is usually peak force. Other metrics may be useful in specific situations:
Torque may be useful if the lever arm from the hip joint to the device placement is measured.
Rate of force development may be useful when rapid groin and hip force production matters, such as cutting, kicking, skating or change of direction.
Time to peak may provide context when a client produces force slowly.
Impulse may be useful if sustained hip adduction force over a selected time window is relevant.
Fatigue index may be useful only if repeated or sustained hip adduction efforts are part of the protocol.
Not every test needs every metric. The most appropriate metric depends on the test goal, body region, setup, client population, device placement, protocol quality and the professional question being asked.
The Muscle Meter and Measurz should be used for measurement, assessment reasoning, comparison, education and progress tracking. They should not be positioned as diagnosing a condition, confirming readiness, clearing participation or explaining symptoms on their own.
Hip adduction strength testing may be useful because the hip adductors contribute to lower-limb force transfer, pelvis control and sport-specific movements.
The test can help professionals:
establish a baseline hip adduction strength score
compare left and right hip adduction force
monitor progress after training or rehabilitation
track changes after hip, groin, pelvis, knee or lower-back symptoms
identify whether effort is limited by pain, fatigue or confidence
support client education with objective data
compare strength with running, cutting, kicking, skating or sport demands
monitor adductor squeeze pain and force response over time
record consistent strength information for progress tracking
The test should support assessment reasoning. It should not be used as a stand-alone diagnostic or clearance measure.
When used independently, the Muscle Meter measures peak force.
When used with Measurz, Muscle Meter testing can support deeper analysis of force and strength performance, including:
Peak force: The highest force produced during the test.
Impulse: The total force applied across a selected time period.
Torque: The rotational force produced around the hip when force and lever arm are considered.
Rate of torque development: How quickly torque is produced.
Rate of force development: How quickly force is produced.
Time to peak: How long it takes to reach the highest force or torque value.
Fatigue index: How much performance declines across repeated or sustained efforts.
For hip adduction, peak force is usually the primary score. Torque may be more meaningful than raw force if the lever arm is measured because hip adduction is a rotational joint action. Rate of force development and time to peak may be relevant in sport, kicking, cutting or change-of-direction contexts, but they should not be treated as automatically meaningful for every client.
The test may provide insight into:
hip adduction force capacity
adductor contribution
squeeze force
side-to-side force differences
confidence producing force
pain response during resisted hip adduction
change in force over time
relationship between strength and sport or function
It does not directly measure:
adductor tendon integrity
groin pain diagnosis
hip joint structure
pubic symphysis status
nerve conduction
pelvis stability during dynamic tasks
running mechanics
tissue healing
readiness to return to sport or work
Explain the test clearly.
Example wording:
“We are going to measure how much force you can produce when pushing your leg inward against the Muscle Meter. This is a strength test, not a diagnosis. Tell me if you feel pain, cramping, numbness, tingling or anything unusual.”
For a squeeze version:
“We are going to measure how much force you can produce when squeezing the device between your legs. Tell me if you feel groin pain or symptoms, and rate any discomfort from 0 to 10.”
Use:
Muscle Meter, handheld dynamometer or fixed dynamometry device
flat pad, strap pad or suitable thigh/knee/ankle attachment
optional belt, strap or fixed frame for stabilisation
plinth, chair, wall frame or rig if needed
pain rating scale
assessment recording workflow
Default method:
Push test / make test
The client attempts to move the leg inward while the stationary device resists the effort.
The professional holds or fixes the device in place.
Squeeze method:
The device is placed between the knees, ankles or distal thighs.
The client squeezes inward.
The test records bilateral adduction force or squeeze force depending on the setup.
Alternative method:
Strap-stabilised or fixed test
The device or strap resists hip adduction force.
This can reduce the influence of assessor strength and improve repeatability.
Push, pull, squeeze and fixed values should be recorded separately. Do not compare them unless the protocol supports that comparison.
Common supine squeeze position:
client lies on their back
knees bent or straight depending on protocol
device placed between knees, ankles or distal thighs
pelvis level
trunk relaxed
client squeezes inward
Common short-lever squeeze positions:
hips near neutral
knees flexed
device between knees
test angle may be 0 degrees, 45 degrees or another defined position
Common side-lying position:
client lies on the tested side or non-tested side depending on setup
pelvis stacked and still
tested leg positioned to push inward into the device
non-tested leg supported
trunk aligned
Common standing position:
client stands upright
tested leg pushes inward against a fixed device or strap
pelvis and trunk kept level
hand support standardised
Supine and squeeze positions are often easier to standardise than standing because trunk lean and balance demands can be reduced.
Record:
hip angle
hip rotation position
knee angle
device location
whether the test is short-lever or long-lever
whether the pelvis is strapped or manually stabilised
whether the test is side-lying, supine, standing or squeeze-based
Position matters. In adductor squeeze testing, 0-degree and 45-degree positions can produce different values and should not be treated as interchangeable.
The professional should position themselves to:
stabilise the pelvis or device
keep the Muscle Meter aligned with the force direction
prevent device slipping
avoid being overpowered by the client
observe trunk, pelvis and hip compensation
read the device safely
Device placement depends on the protocol.
Common unilateral landmarks:
medial distal thigh
just proximal to the medial femoral condyle
medial knee region with padding
medial ankle or distal tibia for long-lever testing
strap around distal thigh or ankle
Common squeeze landmarks:
between knees
between distal thighs
between ankles
between medial malleoli
between feet, if the protocol requires it
Avoid placing the device directly over painful bony prominences or on areas that provoke unnecessary discomfort.
Record the exact landmark used.
Stabilise:
pelvis
trunk
non-tested leg
device or strap
hip rotation position
testing surface or frame
Avoid:
pelvis rolling or hiking
trunk side-bending
hip flexion compensation
hip rotation compensation
knee position changing when not intended
pushing through the foot instead of the thigh if testing thigh force
device movement
breath holding
A fixed or strap-stabilised setup is often useful for strong clients because assessor-held handheld dynamometry can be limited by the assessor’s ability to resist force.
The client attempts to adduct the hip:
“push your leg inward into the device”
or “squeeze the device”
force is directed medially into the Muscle Meter, strap or pad
the device resists movement
the hip should remain close to isometric, with minimal visible movement
Use consistent instructions:
“Build up gradually.”
“Push inward into the device.”
“Squeeze as hard as you safely can.”
“Hold the effort.”
“Keep your pelvis still.”
“Keep your trunk still.”
“Keep breathing.”
“Tell me if you feel pain or symptoms.”
For groin-sensitive clients, add:
“Stop if the pain becomes sharp or stronger than expected.”
“Tell me if the pain is familiar.”
Use:
1–2 submaximal practice trials
1 familiarisation maximal effort if needed
consistent cueing
enough rest before recorded trials
Familiarisation is important because some clients compensate by rolling the pelvis, internally rotating the hip, gripping with the foot or bracing through the trunk.
A practical protocol:
2–3 recorded trials per side or position
3–5 second contraction
45–90 seconds rest between trials
same side or same squeeze position tested first each time
record best trial or average of trials
For squeeze testing, a five-second squeeze is commonly used in sport and groin monitoring research. The Copenhagen five-second squeeze test has been studied for reliability, validity and responsiveness in football players with sports-related hip and groin function concerns.
Use the same method at retest.
Use enough rest to reduce fatigue:
45 seconds minimum for low-irritability testing
60–90 seconds for stronger clients or high-effort testing
longer rest if pain, cramping or fatigue affects effort
Repeat or mark a trial invalid if:
device slips
pelvis rolls or hikes
trunk leans or rotates
hip rotation changes noticeably
knee position changes
client pushes through the foot when the thigh is intended
pain limits effort unexpectedly
the client does not understand the task
compensations make the result unreliable
Stop testing if the client reports:
sharp groin, hip, pubic, abdominal, back or leg pain
cramping that does not settle
worsening neurological symptoms
numbness or tingling
dizziness or distress
inability to produce safe effort
For clients with acute groin pain, suspected adductor injury, high-irritability pubic or hip symptoms, recent surgery, significant lower-back symptoms or neurological symptoms, use a lower-intensity test or defer maximal testing.
Retest using the same:
device
attachment
client position
hip angle
hip rotation position
knee position
lever length
squeeze position
device placement
stabilisation
side order
number of trials
contraction duration
rest period
scoring method
unit of measurement
A push test usually means the client pushes into the Muscle Meter or handheld dynamometer while the device stays still.
For hip adduction testing:
the device is placed at the medial thigh, knee or ankle region
the client attempts to move the leg inward
the device resists the movement
the score usually reflects peak force
Benefits:
practical
quick to set up
useful for baseline testing
can test each side separately
Limitations:
assessor strength can influence the result
device placement affects results
pelvis and trunk compensation can occur
stronger clients may overpower the tester
A squeeze test involves pushing both limbs inward against a device between the knees, thighs or ankles.
Benefits:
practical for groin and sport monitoring
easy for clients to understand
useful for pain response and force tracking
often used in football and field-sport settings
Limitations:
may be bilateral rather than side-specific
force can be influenced by both limbs
squeeze position changes the result
pain may limit effort
values should not be compared with unilateral push tests as if they are the same
A fixed setup can improve consistency because the device or strap is anchored rather than manually resisted.
This is helpful when:
clients are strong
repeated testing matters
small changes are being tracked
multiple staff need to test consistently
torque or force-time metrics are being used
Bilateral and unilateral hip adduction testing can produce different information. A study comparing bilateral and unilateral testing modalities reported that device type, trial number, peak force method and methodological choices can affect validity and reliability.
Push, squeeze and strap-stabilised scores should not be mixed unless the protocol and evidence support comparison.
Record the exact unit displayed by the device:
kilograms, kg
pounds, lb
Newtons, N
kilograms-force, kgf
pounds-force, lbf
Newton metres, Nm, if torque is calculated
percentage of body weight, %BW, if relevant
In strict physics terms, force is measured in Newtons, while kilograms are a unit of mass. In applied dynamometry, some devices display force-equivalent values in kilograms. For practical recording, use the unit displayed by the device and keep the same unit across retesting.
If using the Muscle Meter alone, the primary score is usually peak force.
If using the Muscle Meter with Measurz, additional metrics may be available, including:
impulse
torque
rate of torque development
rate of force development
time to peak
fatigue index
For the Hip Adduction Strength Test, peak force is usually the most practical primary metric. Torque is useful if the lever arm from the hip joint to the device placement is measured. Rate of force development and time to peak may be useful in sport, kicking, cutting or rapid groin-force contexts. Fatigue index is only relevant when repeated or sustained efforts are part of the protocol.
Do not present force-time metrics as diagnostic or clearance tools.
There is no fixed universal score range. Scores depend on:
device
units
body size
hip angle
hip rotation position
knee position
lever length
squeeze position
device placement
stabilisation
population
effort quality
pain or symptoms
scoring method
Record whether the final score is:
best trial
average of trials
peak force
left-right difference
squeeze force
pain score during squeeze
percentage of body weight
torque, if calculated
Either best trial or average trial may be used if it is applied consistently.
A higher score may suggest:
greater hip adduction force output
greater ability to generate adductor force against resistance
better side-to-side symmetry if the opposite side is similar
progress from baseline if the protocol is unchanged
A lower score may suggest:
reduced hip adduction force output
pain-limited effort
fatigue
guarding
reduced confidence
poor familiarisation
poor stabilisation
pelvis or trunk compensation
symptoms affecting effort
A lower score does not explain the reason for the difference on its own.
Torque can be calculated when force and lever arm are known.
Simple concept:
Torque = force × lever arm
Example:
force = 280 N
lever arm = 0.40 m
torque = 112 Nm
Torque may be useful because hip adduction is a rotational action around the hip. However, torque is only meaningful when the lever arm is measured consistently.
Side-to-side comparison can be useful when one side is affected.
Record:
left score
right score
difference in kg, lb, N or Nm
percentage difference
affected side
dominant side if relevant
pain score on each side if unilateral testing is used
Symmetry is useful, but symmetry alone does not confirm readiness or explain symptoms.
If using a squeeze test, record:
force score
pain score from 0 to 10
pain location
whether pain is familiar
position used, such as 0 degrees, 45 degrees or 90 degrees
device placement, such as knees or ankles
Pain during squeezing may provide useful monitoring information, but it does not identify the exact tissue or condition on its own.
Percentage of body weight can express force relative to body mass and is commonly useful in lower-limb strength profiling.
If the device displays kilograms:
Force in kg ÷ body mass in kg × 100 = percentage of body weight
If the device displays pounds:
Force in lb ÷ body weight in lb × 100 = percentage of body weight
If the device displays Newtons:
Force in N ÷ body weight in N × 100 = percentage of body weight
Example:
body mass = 80 kg
hip adduction score = 36 kg
36 ÷ 80 × 100 = 45% body weight
Body weight percentage may help with:
comparing clients of different sizes
tracking changes when body mass changes
sport or occupational profiling
internal benchmarking
comparing against matched reference values
Limitations:
body weight percentage values are test-specific
they should not be compared across different muscle groups
they should not be compared across different devices or protocols unless closely matched
they are not universal pass/fail thresholds
they should be interpreted with symptoms, function, goals and related findings
The score does not prove:
diagnosis
cause of weakness
adductor strain
groin pain source
hip joint pathology
pubic-related pain
nerve injury
lower-back pain cause
tissue healing
readiness to run
readiness to return to sport
readiness for work duties
effectiveness of one intervention by itself
Published hip adduction strength reference values exist, but they are highly protocol-specific.
A study of adult male association football players reported normative values for hip strength using handheld dynamometry, including adductor testing, to support interpretation in football populations. Those values are useful for male football context but should not be applied as universal cut-offs for other populations, devices or test positions.
A World Physiotherapy conference report described normative values for isometric hip muscle force using handheld dynamometry in women aged 20–29 years, including hip adductors, with values normalised to body weight. This provides context for a specific young adult female population but should not be used as a universal threshold.
Research on adductor squeeze testing also shows that angle and lever length matter. Short-lever squeeze testing at 0 degrees and 45 degrees can be reliable, but values can differ by position, meaning 0-degree, 45-degree and 90-degree squeeze values should not be pooled or compared without caution.
For this exact Measurz Muscle Meter hip adduction setup, broad universal norms or body-weight percentage thresholds are not appropriate unless the protocol and population match the reference source.
Use practical comparison guidance:
compare left and right sides for unilateral testing
compare squeeze force with the client’s baseline
record pain during squeeze testing
use the same device and unit
calculate torque only if lever arm is measured
calculate % body weight if useful for profiling
compare only with matched protocols where available
interpret with pain, sport demands, running, kicking and change-of-direction tasks
avoid universal pass/fail thresholds
At the time of writing, high-quality peer-reviewed normative or body-weight percentage reference values for this exact Muscle Meter hip adduction test, device, position and population appear limited. Interpretation should rely more heavily on baseline comparison, side-to-side comparison, repeated testing, internal benchmarks, client goals, symptoms, confidence, movement quality and related assessment findings.
In youth clients, hip adduction testing may be useful for:
baseline strength profiling
monitoring growth-related changes
comparing sides after injury
tracking progress over time
supporting sport or training monitoring
A higher score may suggest greater force output in the tested position. A lower score may suggest reduced force output, but it may also reflect coordination, attention, test unfamiliarity, confidence or body size.
In youth athletes, adductor squeeze testing has been studied in elite football contexts. A 2026 study evaluated handheld dynamometry against a fixed frame system during the adductor squeeze test in elite youth football players, supporting the need for reliable field-based methods in this population.
Adult reference values should not be applied unless evidence clearly supports the comparison.
For general fitness clients, hip adduction Muscle Meter testing is often most useful for:
baseline comparison
progress tracking
side-to-side comparison
education
monitoring response to training
A higher score may suggest greater hip adduction force output. A lower score may suggest reduced force capacity, but it should be interpreted with activity level, symptoms, hip mobility, balance and test familiarity.
Repeated testing is usually more useful than one isolated value.
In older adults, hip adduction strength may be relevant to:
walking
balance
stair use
getting in and out of chairs
transfers
daily movement confidence
Older adults may need:
slower ramp-up
more familiarisation
longer rest
cautious effort cues
careful symptom monitoring
a position that is comfortable and safe
In older adults, adduction testing can provide useful strength context, but it should be interpreted alongside balance, gait, general lower-limb strength, pain, confidence and functional tasks.
For athletes, hip adduction strength may be relevant to:
sprinting
kicking
skating
cutting
deceleration
change of direction
lateral movement
contact sport
return-to-training monitoring
A higher force score may suggest greater hip adduction capacity in the tested position, but sport performance also depends on:
rate of force development
impulse
hip abduction strength
trunk control
pelvis control
hip flexion and extension strength
reactive strength
running or cutting mechanics
workload tolerance
sport skill
For athletes, Measurz force-time metrics may be useful when the protocol is designed well. For example:
Rate of force development may provide context for rapid lateral or kicking demands.
Impulse may help describe force sustained over a selected time.
Time to peak may show whether force is produced quickly or slowly.
Fatigue index may be useful only in repeated-effort protocols.
Maximal isometric strength during hip adduction squeeze testing has shown good intra- and inter-tester reliability, while only some early-phase rate-of-force-development windows have shown stronger reliability. This supports using RFD cautiously and only when the setup is appropriate.
These metrics should not be treated as diagnostic or clearance tools.
In workplace or occupational settings, hip adduction testing may provide context for:
walking
stairs
lifting
carrying
side-stepping
uneven-ground work
repeated lower-limb loading
The score should be interpreted alongside:
job demands
symptoms
balance
gait
fatigue
task exposure
professional judgement
Do not use one force score to clear a worker for full duties.
For clients returning after hip, groin, pelvis, knee, ankle or lower-back injury, hip adduction testing may help monitor:
side-to-side force recovery
squeeze force recovery
pain during resisted hip adduction
confidence producing force
baseline-to-retest change
relationship with gait, running, kicking, cutting and sport tasks
A side-to-side difference or reduced squeeze score may provide useful monitoring information, but symmetry alone does not confirm readiness or explain symptoms.
Pain may reduce force output through:
guarding
apprehension
reduced confidence
fatigue
symptom flare
unfamiliarity with loading
A lower force score may reflect reduced force capacity, pain, guarding, apprehension, fatigue or test unfamiliarity. It should not be used to explain the cause of pain on its own.
Always record pain during the test, especially when testing clients with hip or groin symptoms.
A client may produce a high absolute force score but a different value relative to body weight.
Body-weight percentage may help contextualise force for lower-limb tasks such as:
walking
running
stair climbing
skating
kicking
cutting
changing direction
Body-weight percentage is useful, but it should still be interpreted with:
baseline change
side-to-side comparison
torque where lever arm is known
task-specific demands
symptoms and confidence
movement quality
Reliability describes how consistent the test is when repeated.
Validity describes whether the test measures what it is intended to measure.
SEM estimates measurement error around a score.
MDC estimates how much change may be needed to exceed measurement error.
Typical error and coefficient of variation help explain normal variation across repeated testing.
Short-lever adductor squeeze testing at 0 degrees and 45 degrees has been reported as reliable using handheld dynamometry, but values may differ between positions. This supports using the same joint position and lever length across repeated tests.
A study comparing bilateral and unilateral hip adduction testing modalities reported that methodological choices such as device type, number of repetitions, maximum versus average peak force and unilateral versus bilateral testing can affect reliability and validity. This reinforces that results should be interpreted within the exact protocol used.
A 2024 study examined handheld dynamometry validity and reliability for hip joint rate of torque development and peak torque compared with isokinetic dynamometry. It highlights that rate-based metrics such as RTD require careful methodology and should not be assumed to be meaningful unless the setup and data quality support them.
A 2025 systematic review on lower-extremity handheld dynamometer reliability and validity reported that measurements can be influenced by muscle group, evaluator proficiency and protocol standardisation. This reinforces the importance of consistent device placement, stabilisation and instructions.
For the exact Measurz Muscle Meter hip adduction protocol, high-quality peer-reviewed evidence reporting SEM, MDC, typical error or coefficient of variation appears limited unless the device, position and stabilisation match a published protocol.
Reliability is stronger when you standardise:
device
attachment
hip angle
hip rotation position
knee position
lever length
squeeze position
client position
device placement
pelvis stabilisation
trunk position
force direction
contraction duration
rest period
trial selection method
symptom recording
A change is more meaningful when:
it exceeds known measurement error for a matching protocol
it is repeated across sessions
it aligns with improved function
symptoms are stable or improved
pain during squeeze is stable or improved
effort quality is consistent
the same device and setup were used
Common errors include:
not recording client position
not recording hip angle
not recording knee angle
not recording squeeze position
mixing 0-degree, 45-degree and 90-degree squeeze values
changing device placement at retest
allowing pelvis roll or hike
allowing trunk lean
allowing hip flexion or rotation compensation
using assessor-held resistance for very strong clients
mixing kg, lb and N without conversion
not recording pain during the test
treating the score as a diagnosis
using symmetry as the only readiness marker
assuming every Measurz force-time metric is relevant to every test
Limitations include:
handheld resistance can be limited by assessor strength
squeeze tests may be bilateral rather than side-specific
device placement affects results
hip and knee angle affect force output
lever length strongly affects the score
pain and apprehension can reduce effort
fatigue can affect later trials
normative values are protocol-specific
body-weight percentage values are not universal
torque requires an accurate lever arm
rate of force development requires high-quality time-series data
fatigue index requires repeated or sustained effort testing
the test measures force in one position, not full sport or work performance
The Hip Adduction Strength Test may help with:
baseline hip adductor strength testing
monitoring hip adduction strength over time
left-right comparison
groin and hip load-capacity context
adductor squeeze pain and force monitoring
lower-limb injury progress tracking
running, kicking, cutting and skating task assessment
sport performance support
workplace task assessment
client education
It is most useful when combined with:
hip abduction strength
hip flexion strength
hip extension strength
hip rotation strength
hip range of motion
adductor squeeze pain score
single-leg balance
squat or lunge observation
hop or jump testing where appropriate
gait or running observation
pain and symptom notes
workload and training history
It measures isometric force output during hip adduction, usually by having the client push the leg inward against a Muscle Meter, handheld dynamometer, strap, fixed setup or squeeze device.
When used on its own, the Muscle Meter primarily measures peak force, which is the highest force value produced during the test.
When the Muscle Meter is used with Measurz, the assessment may support additional metrics such as impulse, torque, rate of force development, rate of torque development, time to peak and fatigue index. These metrics are only meaningful when the test setup and data quality support them.
Not always. A hip adduction strength test may be unilateral or bilateral. An adductor squeeze test usually measures force while squeezing a device between the knees, thighs or ankles. The setup should be recorded because results are not interchangeable across methods.
Supine squeeze, side-lying, standing and strap-stabilised positions can all be used. The key is to record the exact position and repeat it at retest. Different positions should not be compared as if they are the same test.
A lower score may suggest reduced force output in that position, but it does not explain why. Pain, fatigue, guarding, poor familiarisation, symptoms, pelvis movement, trunk compensation or poor setup may all influence the result.
Torque can be calculated when the lever arm is known: force multiplied by lever arm. For example, 280 N × 0.40 m = 112 Nm.
No. It may show reduced force or pain during testing, but it does not diagnose the cause. It should be interpreted with symptoms, history, range of motion, functional tasks, related tests and professional judgement.
No. It can support strength monitoring, but return-to-sport or work reasoning should also consider pain, range of motion, running, cutting, kicking, workload, fatigue, confidence and professional judgement.
The Hip Adduction Strength Test measures isometric hip adduction force.
It may be performed as a unilateral push test, squeeze test or fixed strap-stabilised test.
The Muscle Meter alone primarily measures peak force.
When used with Measurz, additional metrics such as impulse, torque, rate of force development, time to peak and fatigue index may be recorded or analysed when relevant.
Peak force is usually the most useful primary metric for this test.
Torque may be useful if the hip lever arm is measured.
Squeeze position, lever length, hip angle and knee angle must be recorded.
Reliability depends on consistent setup, pelvis stabilisation, device placement and instructions.
The result should be interpreted with pain, symptoms, confidence, movement quality, baseline comparison and client goals.
Chamorro, C., Armijo-Olivo, S., De la Fuente, C., Fuentes, J., & Chirosa, L. J. (2017). Absolute reliability and concurrent validity of hand-held dynamometry and isokinetic dynamometry in the hip, knee and ankle joint: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Open Medicine, 12, 359–375. https://doi.org/10.1515/med-2017-0052
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