The Copenhagen Adductor Exercise Trial

Hip Adductor Muscle Strength Changes With the Copenhagen Adductor Exercise in Male Football (Soccer) Players.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of a 6-week intervention, using the Copenhagen adductor exercise, on adductor muscle strength in sub-elite male footballers. Secondly, it will also examine the effect of a 3-week detraining period, after stopping the Copenhagen adductor exercise, on adductor muscle strength.

The primary outcome measure is eccentric hip adduction strength measured using a handheld dynamometer. Additionally, peak isometric adductor squeeze strength will also be measured using a handheld dynamometer.

The hypothesis is that strength training of the adductor muscles elicited by the Copenhagen adductor exercise will result in enhanced eccentric hip adduction strength.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Sub-elite English football player
• Age 18-26
• Participant can read, speak and understand English.
• Participant can receive and reply to texts on a cell phone using Short Message Services (SMS).
• Able to participate fully in competitive football training at time of testing.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hip and groin pain resulting in loss of football training and matches in the 2 months prior to commencement of the trial.
• Specific strength training of the adductor muscles (>/1 week) in the 2 months prior to commencement of the trial.
• Participant cannot attend strength testing sessions during the study.