Normative values for hip strength and range of motion in Dutch professional female football players - PROFE hip study.

OBJECTIVES

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine normative values for hip strength and range of motion in professional female football players and to explore associations of age, playing position, leg dominance, hip/groin symptoms and previous hip/groin injuries. By establishing baseline measures, this study aims to provide reference values that can help guide injury prevention strategies in female football players.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

METHODS

100 professional female football players from the highest Dutch football league (Eredivisie) were assessed at three participating hospitals. Primary outcome measures included normalized eccentric hip adduction and abduction (Nm/kg), hip adduction/abduction ratio, adduction squeeze (N/kg), internal and external hip rotation (°), total hip rotation (°), hip flexion (°) and bent knee fall out (cm).

RESULTS

Normative values for hip strength (mean ± SD) were: adduction 3.0 ± 0.6 Nm/kg, abduction 3.1 ± 0.6 Nm/kg, adduction/abduction ratio 1.0 ± 0.1, and adductor squeeze 4.2 ± 0.7. Age showed a positive association with abduction and adduction strength. Goalkeepers had lower values for all strength measurements compared with field players. Normative values for ROM (mean ± SD) were: internal rotation 36 ± 8°, external rotation 49 ± 7°, total rotation 86 ± 10°, hip flexion 128 ± 6°, and bent knee fall out 14 ± 4 cm. Dominant legs showed lower mean values for internal rotation, total rotation, and hip flexion compared to non-dominant legs.

CONCLUSIONS

This study established normative values for hip strength and range of motion in professional female football players that can be used as reference profiles and can aid in injury prevention strategies and return-to-play protocols.