Objectives: To determine normal values for hip strength and range of motion (ROM) of elite, sub-elite and amateur male field hockey players and to examine the effect of age, leg dominance, playing position, playing level and non-time-loss groin pain on hip strength and ROM.
Design: Cross-sectional study.
Setting: Physical testing took place at field hockey clubs.
Participants: Male field hockey players competing in the three highest Dutch field hockey leagues (n = 104).
Main outcome measures: Eccentric adduction, eccentric abduction, adductor squeeze strength, adduction/abduction ratio, internal rotation, external rotation and bent knee fall out (BKFO).
Results: Strength and ROM values (mean ± standard deviation) were: adduction = 2.8 ± 0.4 Nm/kg, abduction = 2.6 ± 0.4 Nm/kg, adduction/abduction ratio = 1.1 ± 0.2, squeeze test = 4.5 ± 0.8 N/kg, internal rotation = 34° ± 11°, external rotation = 47° ± 9°, BKFO = 15 ± 4 cm. Age, leg dominance, playing position, playing level and non-time-loss groin pain had no effect on these profiles.
Conclusions: Normal values were established for hip strength and ROM of male field hockey players and showed to be independent of age, leg dominance, playing position, playing level and non-time-loss groin pain.
Keywords: Field hockey; Flexibility; Groin; Hip; Sports; Strength.
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