The Hip Adductor Squeeze Test measures how much force a client can produce when squeezing inward through the hips against the Muscle Meter or another fixed device. It is commonly used to assess bilateral hip adductor force output and symptom response in a controlled isometric setup.

This test can provide useful context for groin strength, hip adduction capacity, running, kicking, skating, cutting, sprinting, change of direction, sport preparation, lower-limb strength profiling and progress tracking. It is also useful because it can capture both force output and symptoms during a simple, repeatable squeeze task.

The Muscle Meter is a handheld dynamometry tool used to measure force output during push, pull and isometric strength assessments. When used on its own, the Muscle Meter primarily measures peak force, which is the highest force value produced during the test. When used with Measurz, Muscle Meter data can be recorded and analysed with a broader set of strength and force-time metrics, including peak force, impulse, torque, rate of torque development, rate of force development, time to peak and fatigue index.

For routine hip adductor squeeze testing, peak force is usually the main metric. Force as a percentage of body weight may be useful if directly calculated from the client’s squeeze force and body weight, especially for baseline comparison, repeated testing and sport or workload profiling. Rate of force development and time to peak may be useful when rapid adductor force matters, such as kicking, sprinting, skating or change of direction. Impulse may be useful if a sustained squeeze over a defined time window is intentionally tested. Fatigue index is only relevant if repeated or sustained squeeze efforts are part of the protocol.

The result can support assessment reasoning and progress tracking, but it does not diagnose adductor injury, pubic-related pain, hip joint pathology, groin pain source, nerve involvement or readiness for sport or work on its own.

What Is the Hip Adductor Squeeze Test?

The Hip Adductor Squeeze Test is an isometric bilateral hip adduction assessment where the client squeezes inward against the Muscle Meter or device positioned between the thighs, knees, lower legs or ankles. The test can be performed at different hip and knee angles, and the chosen setup should be recorded carefully.

The movement direction is hip adduction. The purpose of the test is to measure inward squeeze force and symptom response in a specific position.

Common variations include:

• Short-lever squeeze, with the device between the knees or thighs
• Long-lever squeeze, with the device closer to the ankles
• Copenhagen five-second squeeze-style testing
• Squeeze tests at 0 degrees, 45 degrees or 90 degrees of hip flexion
• Sport-specific squeeze testing positions

Consistent setup matters because squeeze position, hip angle, knee angle, lever length, device placement, pelvis position, trunk position and client effort can all affect the result. A short-lever squeeze and long-lever squeeze should not be compared as if they are the same test.

Step-by-Step Protocol / Practice

1. Prepare the client

Explain that the test measures how strongly they can squeeze inward against the Muscle Meter and whether symptoms are reproduced during the squeeze. Record baseline symptoms, groin discomfort, medial thigh symptoms, hip symptoms, lower-back symptoms, fatigue, recent activity, training load and confidence with maximal effort.

Use at least one submaximal practice trial so the client understands the squeeze direction and can practise producing force smoothly without bridging, trunk bracing or breath holding.

2. Set the client position

A common setup is supine with the device placed between the knees, distal thighs, lower legs or ankles. The hips may be positioned at 0 degrees, 45 degrees or 90 degrees of hip flexion depending on the chosen protocol.

Record:

• Hip angle
• Knee angle
• Device position
• Short-lever or long-lever setup
• Supine, seated or other position
• Pelvis position
• Trunk position
• Whether feet were supported
• Whether the client reported pain during the squeeze
• Whether body weight was measured for normalisation

For long-lever testing, record the device location carefully because moving the device closer to or farther from the hip changes the result.

3. Set up the device or straps

Place the Muscle Meter between the selected contact points. The device should be stable, comfortable and aligned so the client can squeeze directly inward.

If using a strap, frame, block or additional contact pad, record:

• Device position
• Contact surface
• Pre-tension
• Strap or frame setup
• Whether the device moved during the squeeze
• Whether the same device width was used at retest

Different squeeze positions should be recorded separately.

4. Place the device, strap or handle

Place the Muscle Meter between the knees, distal thighs, lower legs or ankles depending on the protocol. Avoid uncomfortable pressure on bony areas or painful soft tissue.

For a Copenhagen five-second squeeze-style variation, the device is commonly placed in a long-lever position near the ankles or lower legs, while the client squeezes maximally for approximately five seconds and rates groin pain during the effort.

5. Stabilise the position

Stabilise the pelvis and trunk position so the client does not compensate with bridging, pelvic rotation, trunk bracing, foot pressing or breath holding.

The aim is controlled bilateral hip adduction force in the chosen squeeze position.

6. Give clear instructions

Use consistent instructions such as:

“Squeeze the device as hard as you can and hold.”
“Build up smoothly, then squeeze hard.”
“Keep your pelvis still.”
“Do not lift your hips or push through your feet.”
“Keep breathing.”
“Tell me if you feel groin pain, cramping, tingling or anything unusual.”
“Rate any groin pain during the squeeze from 0 to 10.”

Use the same wording at retest where possible.

7. Record trials

Use 1–2 practice trials, then record 2–3 maximal trials. A common contraction duration is 3–5 seconds. If performing a Copenhagen five-second squeeze-style test, use a 5-second squeeze and record the pain rating during the squeeze.

Rest for 30–60 seconds between trials, or longer if symptoms, fatigue or cramping occur. Record whether the final score uses the best trial or the average of recorded trials. Either approach may be used if it is applied consistently.

8. Identify invalid trials

Repeat or mark a trial as invalid if:

• The pelvis lifts or rotates
• The client bridges
• The trunk braces excessively
• The feet press strongly into the table
• The device slips
• The device position changes
• The client stops early
• Pain or cramping limits effort
• The client starts before the device is ready
• The client holds their breath excessively
• The squeeze position changes between trials

9. Record symptoms

Record groin pain, medial thigh discomfort, hip symptoms, lower-back symptoms, cramping, paraesthesia, confidence, apprehension and symptom response after testing. Use a 0–10 pain rating during the squeeze where relevant.

For retesting, match the same squeeze position, hip angle, knee angle, device placement, instructions, contraction duration, rest period, scoring method and symptom recording.

Why It Is Used

The Hip Adductor Squeeze Test is used to quantify bilateral hip adduction force and symptom response in a repeatable setup. It may be useful for:

• Baseline hip and groin strength assessment
• Monitoring change over time
• Recording groin pain response during squeezing
• Comparing different squeeze positions where relevant
• Supporting running, kicking, cutting and skating assessment reasoning
• Supporting adductor strength profiling in sport
• Workplace context where walking, stairs, ladders, lifting or prolonged standing are relevant
• Fitness and performance progress tracking
• Client education

The test should support assessment reasoning. It should not be used as a stand-alone diagnostic or clearance measure.

What It Measures

The test primarily measures isometric bilateral hip adduction squeeze force in the chosen setup. It also records symptom response during the squeeze, which can provide useful assessment context.

It may provide useful information about:

• Hip adduction squeeze force
• Groin symptom response during resisted adduction
• Force change over time
• Confidence producing adduction force
• Comparison between different squeeze positions
• Relationship between strength, symptoms and related movement tasks

It does not directly measure:

• Cause of groin pain
• Adductor tissue integrity
• Pubic-related pain source
• Hip joint pathology
• Nerve involvement
• Kicking ability
• Cutting ability
• Running capacity
• Readiness to return to sport or work

Understanding the Result, Reference Values and What to Look For

What a higher or lower result may suggest

A higher score may suggest greater adduction squeeze force in that specific setup. A lower score may suggest reduced squeeze force, but the reason should be interpreted carefully.

Lower force may be influenced by pain, apprehension, poor familiarisation, fatigue, guarding, inconsistent device placement, reduced confidence, groin symptoms, hip symptoms, lower-back symptoms or compensation from the pelvis, trunk or feet.

A pain rating during the squeeze can also provide useful context. Higher pain during a squeeze does not diagnose the source of symptoms, but it may help track symptom response over time.

One result should not be interpreted in isolation. Interpretation is strongest when the same setup is repeated over time and reviewed alongside symptoms, confidence, hip range of motion, unilateral adduction strength, abduction strength, running exposure, kicking, cutting, skating or work-specific tasks.

What can influence the result

Important influences include:

• Pain
• Apprehension
• Poor familiarisation
• Fatigue
• Guarding
• Squeeze position
• Hip flexion angle
• Knee angle
• Device width
• Device placement
• Long-lever versus short-lever setup
• Pelvis lifting
• Bridging
• Foot pressing
• Breath holding
• Client confidence

Normative, reference and comparative values

Published Muscle Meter-specific universal norms for the hip adductor squeeze are limited. Reference values should therefore be used as context only and not as direct targets unless the protocol is closely matched.

More user-friendly comparison data include:

• Long-lever hip adduction squeeze testing in healthy adults has shown good reliability for maximal squeeze force when the setup is standardised. Reported intra- and inter-tester reliability values for peak force are commonly around ICC 0.93–0.97 in recent handheld dynamometry research.
• In long-lever squeeze testing, healthy adults recorded squeeze values around 175 N in one intra-tester sample, which is roughly similar to 18 kg of force.
• In another healthy young adult sample using a long-lever squeeze setup, values around 274–278 N were reported, which is roughly 28 kg of force. Differences between these values show how strongly sample characteristics and setup affect results.
• Copenhagen five-second squeeze research has shown that pain response during the squeeze can relate to hip and groin-related sport function in football players. This supports recording both force and pain rating, rather than force alone.
• In a Copenhagen five-second squeeze-style test, a pain rating of 6 out of 10 or higher has been used in research as a “high pain” category associated with lower hip/groin sport function scores. This is not a diagnosis or automatic activity rule, but it can help structure monitoring and referral decisions.
• For repeated testing, a change larger than typical measurement noise is more useful than a single isolated score. With standardised squeeze testing, changes of about 15–20% may be more meaningful than very small changes, especially if symptoms and function change in the same direction.
• If force is recorded as a percentage of body weight in Measurz, use it mainly for the client’s own baseline and retesting. Bodyweight percentage is useful only when calculated from the client’s actual squeeze force and body weight.

These values are best used as comparison data. They can help provide context, but they should not be used as diagnostic, clearance or pass/fail cut-offs.

Practical Interpretation Priorities

Use this order:

1. Compare with the client’s own baseline.
2. Compare repeated scores in the same squeeze position.
3. Record pain during the squeeze using a 0–10 rating.
4. Review force relative to body weight where calculated.
5. Consider symptoms after testing.
6. Consider confidence and effort quality.
7. Review whether compensations were present.
8. Compare with unilateral adduction strength where relevant.
9. Compare with abduction strength and hip mobility where relevant.
10. Relate the result to running, kicking, cutting, skating, sport, work or daily-life demands.
11. Retest under the same conditions to monitor change.
12. Do not use reference values as pass/fail criteria.

What to look at for each relevant Muscle Meter metric

Peak force
Use for maximum adductor squeeze force, baseline strength, progress tracking and comparing force across retests. Look for best score or average score, consistent setup, change from baseline, pain response and compensation during maximal effort.

Force as percentage of body weight
Use when calculated directly from squeeze force and body weight. It may help compare the client’s result to their own baseline and body size. Do not treat it as a universal target unless the comparison data use a closely matched protocol.

Torque
Use only when the lever arm is measured and a more biomechanical interpretation is needed. It should not be used as normative data unless the reference data match the setup closely.

Rate of force development
Use when rapid adductor force matters, such as kicking, cutting, sprinting, skating or change of direction. Look for early force production and whether rate of force development changes while peak force stays similar. RFD is more sensitive to tester and protocol consistency than peak force.

Time to peak
Use to understand whether force is produced quickly or gradually. Look for delayed peak force, faster time to peak across retests, and whether a slower time reflects caution, pain, poor cueing or an actual performance difference.

Impulse
Use if a defined sustained squeeze window is intentionally tested. Look for whether the client can sustain adductor force during the squeeze and whether impulse improves while peak force stays similar.

Fatigue index
Use only if repeated or sustained squeeze efforts are part of the protocol. Look for drop-off across repeated trials, symptom-related fatigue and whether fatigue improves across a training block.

Assessing and Providing Context for Different Client Populations

Youth clients
Consider growth, maturation, coordination, attention, training age and familiarisation. Practice trials are important because maximal squeezing can be difficult to coordinate without bridging or breath holding.

Adults and general fitness clients
Use the test for baseline hip and groin strength, progress tracking and confidence with loading. Compare results with hip mobility, lower-limb strength and general exercise goals.

Older adults
Consider walking confidence, transfers, stairs, balance, fatigue, rest periods and function. A lower score may provide useful context, but it should not be interpreted without functional assessment.

Athletes and sport clients
Consider running, kicking, sprinting, cutting, skating, acceleration, deceleration and change-of-direction demands. Peak squeeze force alone does not equal sport performance, but it can support a broader lower-limb and groin strength profile.

Workplace and manual task clients
Consider stairs, ladders, carrying, prolonged standing, uneven ground, walking distance and repeated lower-limb loading demands. Do not use one score to clear work duties.

Clients returning after injury
Use the test to monitor force output, confidence and symptom response. Strength and pain response should be interpreted alongside other findings and functional exposure.

Clients with pain or persistent symptoms
Pain, fear, guarding, fatigue, apprehension and confidence may reduce force. Record symptom response carefully and compare with related tests.

Higher body mass clients
Absolute squeeze force and force relative to body mass may both be useful. Interpret results in relation to goals, symptoms and functional demands, not assumptions about body size.

Reliability, Validity and Measurement Considerations

Repeatability improves when the same setup is used each time. Record and standardise:

• Same test position
• Same hip angle
• Same knee angle
• Same squeeze position
• Same device placement
• Same device width
• Same pre-tension, if used
• Same contraction duration
• Same rest period
• Same instructions
• Same pain rating scale
• Same scoring method
• Same symptom and compensation recording

Squeeze testing is highly setup-dependent. A short-lever squeeze, long-lever squeeze and Copenhagen five-second squeeze-style test should be recorded separately because the results are not interchangeable.

Long-lever hip adduction squeeze testing can be reliable when the setup is standardised. Peak force is generally more reliable than early rapid-force measures. If rate of force development is used, it is best compared within the same tester and same setup.

Common Errors and Limitations

Common errors include:

• Device position changing between trials
• Changing hip or knee angle
• Comparing short-lever and long-lever tests directly
• Pelvis lifting or bridging
• Foot pressing
• Trunk bracing
• Breath holding
• Not recording pain rating
• Testing through high pain without noting symptoms
• Comparing different protocols directly
• Treating the score as a diagnosis

Limitations include:

• Testing is setup-dependent
• Muscle Meter-specific universal norms may be limited
• Squeeze position strongly affects force
• Pain, fear or guarding can reduce force output
• Peak force does not measure endurance or dynamic sport performance
• Strong squeeze force does not automatically indicate readiness for sport or work
• Pain during squeeze does not identify the exact tissue source of symptoms

Practical Applications

The Hip Adductor Squeeze Test may be useful for:

• Baseline hip and groin strength assessment
• Monitoring squeeze force over time
• Recording groin pain response during resisted adduction
• Supporting running, kicking, cutting and skating assessment reasoning
• Comparing squeeze force with unilateral adduction and abduction strength
• Comparing with hip mobility, trunk control and functional tasks
• Sport and workplace strength profiling
• Client education
• Fitness and performance progress tracking

Ideas to Make the Result Better

If squeeze force is low on repeated testing, consider assessing unilateral hip adduction strength, abduction strength, hip range of motion, trunk control, running exposure, workload and confidence with loading.

If squeeze force is painful, record the exact squeeze position, pain rating and symptom location. Compare with hip mobility, unilateral strength, running, kicking, cutting and other relevant findings.

If force improves but pain remains high, look beyond peak force and consider symptom response, confidence, exposure tolerance and related movement tasks.

If pain reduces but force remains low, continue tracking strength, confidence and progressive loading response using the same squeeze position.

If the client is improving, keep the same test setup and monitor whether force, symptoms, confidence and function improve together.

Recommended Standard Protocol Summary

Position: Supine, seated or chosen squeeze position
Start position: Device between thighs, knees, lower legs or ankles depending on protocol
Joint or trunk angle: Record hip angle, knee angle, pelvis and trunk position
Trials: 1–2 practice trials, then 2–3 recorded trials
Contraction duration: 3–5 seconds, or 5 seconds for a Copenhagen five-second squeeze-style test
Rest: 30–60 seconds between efforts
Metric: Peak force, pain rating, plus percentage of body weight if directly calculated
Attachment or device setup: Muscle Meter between selected contact points with consistent device position
Final score: Best trial or average of trials, plus pain rating during squeeze
Key retesting requirement: Same squeeze position, hip angle, knee angle, device placement, contraction duration, rest, pain scale and scoring method

FAQs

What does the Hip Adductor Squeeze Test measure?

It measures isometric hip adduction squeeze force in a specific setup. It can also record groin pain response during the squeeze.

Is the adductor squeeze test the same as a unilateral hip adduction test?

No. A squeeze test is usually bilateral, while a unilateral hip adduction test measures one side against resistance. They should be recorded separately.

Should pain be recorded during the squeeze?

Yes. A 0–10 pain rating can provide useful context and helps track symptom response over time.

Should the result be recorded as percentage of body weight?

It can be if you calculate it directly from squeeze force and body weight. This is useful for internal comparison, especially when tracking change over time.

Are there universal hip adductor squeeze norms for the Muscle Meter?

Published universal Muscle Meter norms for this exact protocol appear limited. Baseline comparison and repeated testing in the same position are usually more useful.

What numerical values are available for comparison?

Published long-lever squeeze examples include values around 175 N and 274–278 N in healthy adult samples, but these vary by setup and population. These are not direct Muscle Meter targets unless the protocol is closely matched.

Can this test diagnose groin pain or an adductor injury?

No. It can measure force output and symptom response, but it does not diagnose a condition or explain symptoms on its own.

What should be recorded in Measurz?

Record squeeze position, hip angle, knee angle, device placement, peak force, percentage bodyweight if calculated, pain rating, symptoms, compensations, confidence, scoring method and related findings.

Key Takeaways

• The Hip Adductor Squeeze Test measures bilateral hip adduction squeeze force and symptom response.
• Peak force is usually the main routine Muscle Meter metric.
• Pain rating during the squeeze is important and should be recorded.
• Published long-lever squeeze examples include values around 175 N and 274–278 N, but protocols vary.
• Percentage of body weight should only be used when calculated directly from force and body weight.
• Short-lever, long-lever and Copenhagen five-second squeeze-style tests should not be treated as interchangeable.
• Measurz should capture setup, force, pain rating, symptoms, bodyweight-normalised values where calculated, compensations and retesting conditions.

References

Ishøi, L., Thorborg, K., Krohn, L., Andersen, L. L., Nielsen, A. M., & Clausen, M. B. (2023). Maximal and explosive muscle strength during hip adduction squeeze and hip abduction press test using a handheld dynamometer: An intra- and inter-tester reliability study. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 18(4), 905–916. https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.83259

Light, N., Thorborg, K., & Hölmich, P. (2016). Hip adduction strength and squeeze test reliability in athletes. Physical Therapy in Sport.

Thorborg, K., Branci, S., Nielsen, M. P., Tang, L., Nielsen, M. B., & Hölmich, P. (2017). Copenhagen five-second squeeze: A valid indicator of sports-related hip and groin function. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51(7), 594–599. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-096675

Thorborg, K., Bandholm, T., Schick, M., Jensen, J., & Hölmich, P. (2013). Hip strength assessment using handheld dynamometry is subject to intertester bias when testers are of different sex and strength. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 23(4), 487–493. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2011.01405.x