Novel Isometric Testing of Frontal Plane Hip Strength in Collegiate Cross-Country Runners

In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to describe preseason hip abduction and adduction strength in Division III cross-country athletes using an externally fixated inline tension dynamometer to report sex-stratified normalized torque values (Nm/kg) and adduction:abduction ratios. Maximal isometric hip abduction and adduction peak forces were measured during a single session and normalized to body mass and moment arm length. Participants included 35 male runners (18.9±0.90 y) and 26 female runners (19.0±1.1 y). Normalized hip torque (Nm/kg) (right/left) for men was: abduction (1.82±0.38/1.84±0.36), adduction (1.98±0.43/1.70±0.41), and adduction:abduction ratio (1.10±0.18/0.92±0.12). Normalized hip torque (Nm/kg) (right/left) for women was: abduction (1.45±0.25/1.43±0.27), adduction (1.40±0.22/1.34±0.28), and adduction:abduction ratio (0.98±0.14/0.95±0.15). By accounting for joint moment arm length and body mass while minimizing measurement variability through rigid external fixation, this study establishes sex-stratified normative isometric hip strength reference profiles in healthy collegiate distance runners to support baseline strength profiling and standardized clinical screening.