Strength Testing for Return to Sport: Why It Matters

Returning to sport after an injury is a big milestone, but returning too early can lead to re-injury, longer recovery, and poor performance. This is why strength testing is an important part of sports rehabilitation before returning to full activity.

What Is Strength Testing?

Strength testing is used to measure how strong the injured limb is compared to the uninjured side. It helps determine whether the body is ready to handle the demands of sport again.

This is commonly used after injuries such as:

● Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury
● Hamstring strains
● Ankle sprains
● Rotator cuff tear
● Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (runner’s knee)

Why Strength Matters Before Returning to Sport

After an injury, muscles become weaker and joints become less stable. Even if pain is gone, strength may not be fully recovered.

Returning to sport without proper strength can increase risk of:

● Re-injury
● Poor performance
● Compensations and new injuries
● Chronic pain

Research shows many athletes return to sport before strength is fully restored, which is why proper testing is important.

Common Strength Tests Used in Sports Rehab

Exercise physiologists and physiotherapists use a range of tests such as:

Lower Body Tests

● Single leg press strength
● Single leg squat test
● Hop tests (single hop, triple hop, crossover hop)
● Hamstring strength testing
● Calf raise endurance test

Upper Body Tests

● Shoulder strength testing
● Push-up test
● Pull strength testing
● Rotator cuff strength testing

What Strength Do You Need to Return to Sport?

A common guideline is that the injured side should be at least 90% as strong as the uninjured side before returning to sport.

This is called the Limb Symmetry Index (LSI), and it is one of the key measures used in return-to-sport decisions.

VALD Testing for Return to Play

At Motion Health, we utilise VALD Performance Technology to provide objective, accurate, and reliable strength and performance data.

VALD systems allow us to measure:

● Limb strength and asymmetries
● Force production and rate of force development
● Jump performance and landing mechanics
● Hamstring strength and imbalance risk

This technology removes guesswork and provides clear data to guide return-to-sport decisions, ensuring athletes meet the required benchmarks safely.

By using VALD testing, we can track progress over time, identify deficits early, and confidently determine readiness to return to play.

Strength Is Only One Part of Return to Sport

Strength testing is usually combined with:

● Balance testing
● Jump/landing mechanics
● Agility testing
● Running assessment
● Sport-specific drills

This ensures the athlete is fully ready, not just pain-free.

When Should You Get Strength Tested?

You should consider strength testing if:

● You are recovering from a sports injury
● You had surgery (especially ACL)
● You still feel weak when training
● You want to return to sport safely
● You want to reduce risk of re-injury

How an Exercise Physiologist Can Help

An Exercise Physiologist can:

● Perform strength testing
● Identify weakness and imbalances
● Create a return-to-sport program
● Guide you safely back to training and competition

Ready to Return to Sport Safely?

Not sure if you’re ready to return to sport? A strength assessment can help you return safely and confidently.

Book an appointment with our Exercise Physiology team today.