Hip adduction and abduction strength values in elite-level male and female youth soccer players: A comparison between sexes, and across age-groups

Objectives: To report isometric hip adduction squeeze and abduction press strength values of elite-level youth male and female soccer players and examine if differences exist between sexes, and age-groups. Design: Cross-sectional cohort study. Setting: Elite youth soccer academy. Participants: 102 soccer players (n = 64; male, n = 38 female) competing in the national youth soccer leagues from under (U) 14-19 years of age level (U-14, U-15, U-17, U-19). Main outcome measures: Isometric hip adduction and abduction strength values were measured with a ForceFrame in various testing positions. Results: Isometric hip adduction and abduction strength values are presented. Male U-17 and U-19 players demonstrated significantly greater (p < 0.05) absolute(N) and relative (N/kg) hip adduction and abduction strength than their female counterparts, with large (eta(2) = 0.068-0.227) and medium-to-large (eta(2) = 0.049-0.234) effect size, respectively. Significant differences in absolute strength, but not relative strength, were observed for hip adduction and abduction between male age-groups (U-14, U-15, U-17, U-19), with hip abduction strength differences only existing between U-14 and U-17 groups. No significant differences in hip strength were observed between U-17 and U-19 groups for female players. Conclusion: Male youth soccer players have higher absolute and relative hip adduction and abduction strength than females at the U-17 and U-19 level.