How Different Positions Affect Groin Strengthening Exercises

The Copenhagen Adductor Exercise (CAE) is widely recognized for strengthening groin muscles. However, it also engages muscles in multiple directions. The hip adductor muscles don't just work side to side; they also function front to back and rotate. Therefore, the CAE likely challenges the hip and knee in three distinct ways.

Study Overview

A recent study investigated how different positions affect the hip and knee during the CAE. Researchers tested three positions:

1. Supporting the knee
2. Supporting the ankle
3. Supporting the middle of the leg

They measured the forces and movements to assess joint reactions.

Key Findings

• Hip Adductors: Supporting the ankle created the most strain, while supporting the knee created the least.
• Hip Extensors: Most participants engaged their hip extensors, particularly when the support was placed lower on the leg.
• Knee Movements: Supporting the leg below the knee led to adductor and flexor movements in the knee.
• Rotational Effects: The study found strong connections between front-to-back movements and the rotation of the thigh and shank.

Conclusion

The CAE is not just a side-to-side exercise. It also involves front-to-back and rotational movements, especially when the support is placed lower on the leg.