Test Re-test Reliability of Single and Multijoint Strength Properties in Female Australian Footballers

Purpose To examine the test re-test reliability of isometric maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) of hip adduction (ADD ISO ), hip abduction (ABD ISO ), and multijoint leg extension (SQUAT ISO ) in sub-elite female Australian footballers. Methods Data were collected from 24 sub-elite female Australian footballers (age 22.6 ± 4.5 years; height 169.4 ± 5.5 cm; body mass 66.6 ± 8.0 kg; 4.5 ± 4.4 years sport-specific training; 2.5 ± 2.0 years unstructured resistance training) from the same club on two non-consecutive days. Participants performed three isometric MVCs of ADD ISO , ABD ISO , and SQUAT ISO . The SQUAT ISO was performed at 140° knee flexion with a vertical trunk position and ADD ISO and ABD ISO measures were performed in a supine position at 60° of knee flexion and 60° hip flexion. Reliability was assessed using paired t tests and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), typical error (TE), and coefficient of variation (CV%) with 95% CI. Results SQUAT ISO peak force (ICC .95; CV% 4.1), ABD ISO for left, right, and sum (ICC .90–.92; CV% 5.0–5.7), and ADD ISO for left, right, and sum (ICC .86–.91; CV% 6.2–6.9) were deemed acceptably reliable based on predetermined criteria (ICC ≥ .8 and CV% ≤ 10). Conclusion SQUAT ISO , ABD ISO , and ADD ISO tests demonstrated acceptable reliability for the assessment of peak force in sub-elite female Australian footballers, suggesting these assessments are suitable for muscle strength testing and monitoring adaptations to training.