Comparison of Hip Adductor Training Using an Isokinetic Device Versus the Copenhagen Adduction Exercise: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial compared two exercise approaches for strengthening the hip adductor muscles in healthy, recreationally active adults. Participants were assigned to one of three groups: training using a custom isokinetic device, training using the Copenhagen adduction exercise, or a control group that did not perform the specific hip adductor training. The intervention lasted 8 weeks. The device-based program used controlled eccentric muscle actions, in which the hip adductors produce force while being lengthened, whereas the Copenhagen adduction exercise involved a commonly used body-weight strengthening exercise.

The purpose of the study was to determine how these two types of hip adductor training affect muscle strength and other physical characteristics that may be relevant to performance and the prevention of groin and hip adductor injuries. The main research question was whether training with the isokinetic device produces different and potentially greater adaptations than the Copenhagen adduction exercise and no specific training. The study hypothesis was that device-based eccentric training would lead to greater improvements in hip adductor strength and related functional and muscle characteristics than copenhagen adduction exercise training, while the control group would show little or no change.