A novel device to assess hip strength: Concurrent validity and normative values in male athletes

Objectives To assess concurrent validity of the new, novel externally-fixed dynamometer (GroinBar) with hand-held dynamometry (HHD); to provide normative GroinBar scores for elite Australian rules football (AFL) and football (Soccer) players; and to evaluate preliminary predictive validity of the GroinBar and HHD in this population by comparing strength results with patient-reported outcome scores. Design Cross-sectional and reliability study Participants Total of 67 athletes, 36 AFL players and 31 football (Soccer) players Setting Elite AFL and football (Soccer) teams Main Outcome Measures The GroinBar system, HHD, The Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) Questionnaire. Results Moderate to good correlations were identified between the GroinBar and HHD strength tests for hip adduction and abduction in the long lever position (rs 0.53 – 0.71). Normative values of the GroinBar and HHD for both AFL and football (Soccer) players were obtained. Neither the GroinBar or HHD strength measures differed between players with groin problems and those without. Conclusion This externally fixed strength testing device, the GroinBar, may provide a robust method of athlete monitoring and screening that does not rely on tester experience and strength. Normative values are documented for hip adduction and abduction strength in elite male athletes.