The Association of Hip Strength and Flexibility with the Incidence of Adductor Muscle Strains in Professional Ice Hockey Players

Abstract

This prospective study was conducted to determine whether hip muscle strength and flexibility play a role in the incidence of adductor and hip flexor strains in National Hockey League ice hockey team players. Hip flexion, abduction, and adduction strength were measured in 81 players before two consecutive seasons. Thirty-four players were cut, traded, or sent to the minor league before the beginning of the season. Injury and individual exposure data were recorded for the remaining 47 players. Eight players experienced 11 adductor muscle strains, and there were 4 hip flexor strains. Preseason hip adduction strength was 18% lower in the players who subsequently sustained an adductor muscle strain compared with that of uninjured players. Adduction strength was 95% of abduction strength in the uninjured players but only 78% of abduction strength in the injured players. Preseason hip adductor flexibility was not different between players who sustained adductor muscle strains and those who did not. These results indicate that preseason hip strength testing of professional ice hockey players can identify players at risk of developing adductor muscle strains. A player was 17 times more likely to sustain an adductor muscle strain if his adductor strength was less than 80% of his abductor strength.

Evaluation of Functional Limitations in Female Soccer Players and Their Relationship With Sports Level – A Cross Sectional Study

“…Studies show a relationship between impaired muscle flexibility and muscle strength of adductor muscles of the hip [41][42][43]. Numerous papers confirm also the differences in the kinematics of the trunk, and hip and knee joints among male and female soccer players [44][45][46][47][48][49].…”

Examination of Age-related Core Stability and Dynamic Balance in Hockey Players

“…By contrast, adductor fl exibility was not associated with adductor strains. As reported by Tyler et al (2001), preseason hip strength testing of professional ice hockey players can identify players at risk of developing adductor strains. Hip adduction strength was 18% lower in players who subsequently sustained an adductor strain compared with that of uninjured players.…”

Intratester Reliability and Construct Validity of a Hip Abductor Eccentric Strength Test

“…This provided a consistent frontal plane hip position across participants, which may not be achieved by placing the foot at a fixed height, as done in previous protocols. [4][5][6] Transverse plane rotation in the test limb was minimized by ensuring that the lateral border of the foot was parallel with the table's surface. Standardized verbal instructions were given prior to each trial to "maintain this leg position using as much leg strength as you have until your leg reaches the table."…”

“…In a hip abductor eccentric strength test or "break test," the tester exceeds the patient's maximum isometric force and pushes the limb down. [4][5][6] The peak force recorded by the handheld dynamometer is assumed to be generated while the leg is being lowered (the lowering phase). However, the time of the peak force during this test has not been established.…”