This study evaluates the reliability and validity of the EasyForce digital dynamometer for assessing maximal isometric strength in hip muscles. The sample consisted of 109 male youth athletes (mean age: 16.33±1.87 years) from Croatian football clubs. Measurements of quadriceps and hamstring muscles isometric strength were taken using the EasyForce dynamometer, following the manufacturer's recommendations. Three trials for each muscle group were recorded, with participants performing maximal isometric contractions. The study demonstrated high reliability, with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) indicating excellent reliability for quadriceps muscles (0.935-0.939) and good reliability for hamstrings (0.840-0.876). Validity was established by significant differences in strength between dominant and non-dominant leg muscles, confirmed through single-sample t-tests (p<0.001 for both quadriceps and hamstrings). These findings align with previous research on belt-stabilized hand-held dynamometers. The EasyForce dynamometer's high reliability and validity make it a practical tool for sports performance assessment and rehabilitation, suitable for field testing and clinical environments. However, the study's limitation includes a 45-second rest interval between trials, potentially insufficient for complete muscle recovery. Future research should explore longer rest intervals and include diverse populations to enhance generalizability.
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