The adductor squeeze test: which is the optimal test position for eliciting maximum squeeze values and adductor muscle activity?

Background Groin injuries are a common occurrence in field based sports that have a high component of twisting and turning activities. The adductor squeeze test is commonly utilised, as a diagnostic and injury screening tool. Currently no reports exist in the published literature, which detail the level of activation of the adductor musculature and concomitant squeeze values during the test positions of the adductor squeeze test which are commonly utilised in a clinical setting. Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate the level of adductor musculature surface EMG (SEMG) activity and concomitant squeeze values in a healthy population of male Gaelic games athletes during performance of the adductor squeeze test in the three commonly utilised test positions (ie, 0°, 45°, and 90° of hip flexion). Setting University biomechanics laboratory. Participants 18 male Gaelic games players without any previous or current history of groin or hip injury. Main outcome measures Each participant performed three maximal effort repetitions of the adductor squeeze test in the positions of 0°, 45°, and 90° of hip flexion. Bilateral adductor SEMG activity and concomitant squeeze values quantified by a sphygmomanometer were recorded for each test. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to test for differences in the values obtained during each of the three test positions for both SEMG activity and squeeze values. Results The greatest amount of adductor muscle activity and squeeze values were observed in the 45° of hip flexion test position. Conclusion The results of the present study suggest that the adductor squeeze test performed in a position of 45° of hip flexion is the optimal test position for eliciting maximal adductor muscle activity and squeeze values. Therefore, the 45° of hip flexion test position can be recommended as the optimal test position for injury screening in non-pathological groups. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]