As we accumulate experience in the field of sports performance, our confidence in once-certain methodologies can shift dramatically. Early in my career, I embraced many conventional practices without much scrutiny. However, years of learning and encounters with insightful mentors have taught me the importance of revisiting and critically evaluating these practices. A recent conversation with Dr. Mal McHugh, a leading researcher in sports medicine, brought a significant revelation about the common practice of adductor squeeze tests in athlete assessments.
The Flawed Assumption of Adductor Squeeze Tests
Dr. McHugh, who has extensively studied adductor strains in high-performance athletes, shared compelling insights in a forthcoming episode of the High-Performance Hockey Podcast. He critiqued the conventional adductor squeeze tests, which are often used to assess the strength of the adductor muscle group and check for asymmetries between limbs.
The fundamental flaw in these tests, as pointed out by Dr. McHugh, lies in their basic premise, which violates both physical laws and neurophysiological principles:
- Newton’s Third Law: This law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. When an athlete performs a squeeze test, whether it’s with bent knees or straight legs, the force exerted by one leg inherently matches the force exerted by the other, rendering the test ineffective at identifying strength asymmetries between limbs.
- Bilateral Deficit Phenomenon: This phenomenon describes the observation that the combined force generated by both limbs together is often less than the sum of the forces they produce individually. This neurophysiological trait further complicates the ability of squeeze tests to accurately measure unilateral strength differences.
Implications for Testing and Training
These insights challenge the efficacy of adductor squeeze tests in detecting asymmetries, a crucial factor in preventing injuries and tailoring rehabilitation programs. Dr. McHugh’s research suggests that these tests might still help identify athletes with existing groin or hip pathologies compared to healthy individuals but fall short in measuring the strength disparity between limbs.
Advancing Beyond Traditional Methods
In light of these findings, it is crucial for us in the sports performance and rehabilitation sectors to explore and adopt more accurate methods of assessing muscle strength and imbalance. Dr. McHugh advocates for alternative approaches that respect the laws of physics and the realities of human physiology, providing a more reliable basis for our interventions.
The Bigger Lesson: Embrace Critical Thinking
The greater lesson here extends beyond the specific shortcomings of one testing method. It serves as a reminder of the importance of grounding our practices in solid foundational knowledge—physics, biomechanics, physiology, and programming. These core principles should serve as our compass, guiding us through the sea of prevailing practices and emerging technologies in the sports science field.
Conclusion
As we continue to advance in our careers, let us remain open to questioning and revising our methodologies. The wisdom shared by experts like Dr. McHugh is invaluable in this journey, pushing us to refine our practices and enhance our understanding. Let’s commit to using our foundational knowledge not just as a toolkit for solving problems but as a critical lens through which to view all our professional practices.
Thanks to mentors like Dr. McHugh, we are reminded of the importance of not just knowing, but understanding, and not just practicing, but thinking critically about every aspect of our work in sports performance.