Intra and Inter-Test Reliability of Isometric Hip Adduction Strength Test with Force Plates in Professional Soccer Players

Abstract

Assessing the reliability of measurement instruments and equipment is essential to ensure the accurate tracking of athletes over extended periods, minimizing the measurement errors caused by chance or other factors. However, a less common but equally important analysis is the verification of inter-measurement agreement, which complements the reliability results. Purpose: To evaluate the intra- and inter-test reliability of an isometric hip adduction strength and asymmetries test in professional soccer players. Methods: Twenty-three professional male soccer players were evaluated on two occasions, 1 week apart. The force signal was collected using force plates (Pasco PS-2141), and the data processing was performed using Matlab software (R2023a, MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA). The peak force, interval RFD, peak RFD, peak force asymmetry and RFD were analyzed. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and coefficients of variation (CV) were calculated to corroborate the intra- and inter-test reliability. In addition, the degree of agreement of the asymmetries was corroborated through the kappa index. Results: The peak force demonstrated an acceptable absolute reliability (CV < 10%) for the intra-test and test–retest condition, an excellent relative intra-test reliability and a good to moderate reliability for the test–retest reliability. However, the peak force asymmetry showed a moderate test–retest reliability and agreement. For the intra-test condition, the RFD variables demonstrate a moderate to excellent relative reliability; however, all demonstrate unacceptable absolute reliability (CV > 10%) in at least one of the evaluation sessions. A moderate to poor test–retest reliability and unacceptable absolute reliability were observed for all the RFD variables. Conclusions: The peak force is the variable with the highest intra- and inter-test reliability, so its use is recommended to longitudinally assess the maximum strength of the adductors in professional soccer players, but not the asymmetry orientation of the peak force. The RFD variables should be interpreted with caution due to their inconsistent reliability, and it is necessary to improve the methods used to achieve adequate reliability.