Strength Endurance Test: Single Leg Adductor Plank

The Single-Leg Adductor Plank is a Copenhagen-style adductor endurance assessment. Exact endurance norms are limited, but related research supports Copenhagen adduction testing and newer work has investigated test-retest reliability for measuring eccentric hip adductor strength during the Copenhagen adduction exercise.  

Introduction

The test challenges adductor capacity, lateral trunk endurance and shoulder support. It should be interpreted as an integrated adductor/trunk endurance task.

Quick Summary

Test name: Single-Leg Adductor Plank
Category: Hip adductor and lateral trunk endurance
Primary scores: Hold time or repetitions
Best use: Side-to-side adductor endurance comparison
Key limitation: Exact endurance norms are limited.

What Is the Assessment?

The client performs a Copenhagen-style plank with the top leg supported on a bench or box.

Why It Is Used

Used to monitor adductor endurance, side-to-side differences, trunk control and progress over time.

What It Measures

It may reflect hip adductor endurance, lateral trunk control, shoulder support and pelvic stability.

Who It Is Used For

Useful for field sport athletes, court sport athletes, runners and clients requiring adductor capacity monitoring.

Equipment Required

• Bench or box
• Mat
• Stopwatch or Measurz stopwatch
• Measurz rep counter
• Measurz metronome
• Optional Measurz AR measurement for bench height
• MAT tools for related hip adductor isometric strength testing

Step-by-Step Protocol

1. Client sets up in a side plank with top leg supported on a bench.
2. Bottom leg position depends on version.
3. Client holds trunk and pelvis alignment.
4. Record hold time or reps.
5. Stop for hip drop, trunk rotation, symptoms or voluntary stop.

Scoring and Interpretation

Record side, time/reps, bench height, version, symptoms and compensations.

Normative Data, Benchmarks or Reference Values

Formal endurance norms are limited.

Practical field guide only:

• Strong: 45+ seconds or 20+ controlled reps
• Moderate: 20–44 seconds or 10–19 reps
• Developing: under 20 seconds or under 10 reps

Reliability and Validity

Related Copenhagen adduction research supports reliable measurement of adductor strength during Copenhagen-style tasks, but endurance-hold norms remain limited.  

Common Errors and Limitations

Hip drop, trunk rotation, shoulder collapse, inconsistent bench height, not recording symptoms and comparing modified/full versions directly.

Practical Applications

Useful for adductor endurance monitoring, side-to-side comparison and field sport capacity profiling.

How to Record This in Measurz/MAT

Record side, time/reps, bench height, version, pain, symptoms, compensations and retest date. Use stopwatch, rep counter, metronome and AR measurement where relevant.

FAQs

Is this the same as a Copenhagen plank? It is a Copenhagen-style variation.
Are there norms? Exact endurance norms are limited.
Should both sides be tested? Yes.
Can it diagnose groin pain? No.

Key Takeaways

• Integrated adductor and trunk endurance test.
• Exact norms are limited.
• Use side-to-side comparison.
• Record bench height and version.
• Measurz can track time, reps and symptoms.

References

Sano, Y., Kawabata, M., Kenmoku, T., Watanabe, H., & Takahira, N. (2025). Maximum-Speed Single-Leg Bridge Test for concentric functional assessment and exercise in an athlete with recurrent hamstring strain injuries: A case report. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 20(5), 716–726. https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.134124