Comparison of isokinetic hip abduction and adduction peak torques and ratio between sexes

OBJECTIVE:: To evaluate hip abductor and adductor peak torque outputs and compare their ratios between sexes. DESIGN:: A cross-sectional laboratory-controlled study. SETTING:: Participants visited a laboratory and performed an isokinetic hip abductor and adductor test. All participants performed 2 sets of 5 repetitions of concentric hip abduction and adduction in a standing position at 60 degrees per second. Gravity was determined as a function of joint angle relative to the horizontal plane and was corrected by normalizing the weight of the limb on an individual basis. PARTICIPANTS:: A total of 36 collegiate athletes. INDEPENDENT VARIABLES:: Sex (20 females and 16 males). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:: Bilateral peak hip abductor and adductor torques were measured. The 3 highest peak torque values were averaged for each subject. RESULTS:: Independent t tests were used to compare sex differences in hip abductor and adductor peak torques and the abductor:adductor peak torque ratios. Males demonstrated significantly greater hip abductor peak torque compared with females (males 1.29 ± 0.24 Nm/kg, females 1.13 ± 0.20 Nm/kg; P = 0.03). Neither hip adductor peak torque nor their ratios differed between sexes. CONCLUSIONS:: Sex differences in hip abductor strength were observed. The role of weaker hip abductors in females deserves further attention and may be a factor for higher risk of knee pathologies.