TITLE:
Reliability of the K-Force Muscle Controller Dynamometer on Eccentric and Isometric Hip Adduction Strength
AUTHORS:
Christos Pippas, Antonis Emmanouilidis, Stefanos Karanasios, George Koumantakis, George Gioftsos
KEYWORDS:
Adductor, Groin, Strength Testing, Dynamometer, Reliability
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation,
Vol.12 No.3,
July
10,
2024
ABSTRACT: Hip adduction strength tests are commonly used in clinical practice to provide an accurate diagnosis of groin injuries. Athletes with reduced adductor muscle strength are at risk of developing groin injuries. Our study aimed to evaluate the relative and absolute test-retest reliability of the side-lying eccentric hip adduction strength test and the long-lever adduction squeeze test using the K-Force hand-held dynamometer. Twenty physically active male individuals with a mean age (±SD) of 30.7 (±7.3) years were included. Both tests presented excellent test-retest reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient: 0.77 - 0.95). The best and mean scores of the eccentric and isometric tests presented the smallest test-retest variation (MDC%: 12.8 - 14.9 and MDC%: 14.6 - 18.7, respectively). Our study showed that the K-Force dynamometer has excellent reliability for assessing hip adduction strength in two different testing positions. We suggest the best and mean of three repetitions for clinical practice as they present the lowest variability. Further research evaluating its clinimetric properties in different populations and gender is recommended.