PhD Scientific Days 2025

EUniWell I.

Reliability of maximal isometric hip abduction strength according to hand-held dynamometer placement

Name of the presenter

Armada Zarco José Manuel

Institute/workplace of the presenter

University of Murcia

Authors

Armada Zarco, J. M.¹, Cejudo, A.¹, Sainz de Baranda, P.¹

1: University of Murcia

Text of the abstract

Introduction. Weakness in the hip abductor muscles has been linked to injuries in youth soccer players, including anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, Trendelenburg syndrome, and muscle injuries. Previous scientific studies have assessed maximal isometric strength (MIS) of hip abduction (ABD) by placing the hand-held dynamometer (HHD) at different locations on the lower limb (ankle, knee). However, the impact of dynamometer placement on MIS results remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze differences in ABD MIS when the HHD is placed at the knee versus the ankle, based on the reliability and sensitivity of the measurements in youth soccer players. Method. Fifty male soccer players (15.8 ± 1.6 years) from U14, U16, and U18 categories participated in this cross-sectional observational study. Peak MIS in hip ABD was measured in the supine position with hip and knee in neutral alignment. The ABD strength test was performed using an HHD placed at the lateral malleolus of the ankle (LMA) and at the lateral femoral condyle of the knee (LFCK). Each test was conducted during the second session of two consecutive weeks. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standardized typical error of measurement (STEM), coefficient of variation (CVTE), minimal detectable change at 95% confidence (MDC95), and sensitivity (SWC) were calculated. Results. The LMA placement showed greater consistency (ICC = 0.93) compared to the LFCK (ICC = 0.88). The LMA position also showed lower variability and measurement magnitude (CVTE = 0.10; MDC95 = 0.29 Nm/kg) than LFCK (CVTE = 0.13; MDC95 = 0.36 Nm/kg). Finally, both placements were rated as "good" for detecting moderate and large changes, but only "marginal" for detecting small changes (SWC0.2). Conclusion. Sports professionals and researchers should consistently use the LMA placement for evaluating MIS of hip ABD in youth soccer players. This procedure will improve the accuracy in determining whether a player's strength has changed and help normalize this injury risk factor.

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