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 (ABD) and adduction (ADD) strength in Division III cross-country athletes using an externally fixated inline tension dynamometer to report sex-stratified normalized torque values (Nm/kg) and ADD:ABD ratios. Maximal isometric hip ABD and ADD peak forces were measured during a single session and normalized to body mass and moment arm length. Participants included 35 male (18.9 ± 0.90 years) and 26 female runners (19.0 ± 1.1 years). Normalized hip torque (Nm/kg) (right/left) for males was: ABD (1.82 ± 0.38 / 1.84 ± 0.36), ADD (1.98 ± 0.43 / 1.70 ± 0.41), and ADD:ABD ratio (1.10 ± 0.18 / 0.86 ± 0.12). For females: ABD (1.45 ± 0.25 / 1.43 ± 0.27), ADD (1.40 ± 0.22 / 1.34 ± 0.28), and ADD:ABD 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.