What the Mid-Thigh Pull Says About Female Athletic Performance
Strength isn’t just about lifting heavy—it’s about how well your body can produce force when it counts. Whether you’re sprinting, jumping, hiking, playing your sport, or simply staying strong and injury-free as you age, lower-body force production plays a major role in performance and long-term health.
One of the best ways to measure this?
The Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull (IMTP)—a simple, safe, and powerful test that provides a clear snapshot of your force-generating capacity.
What Is the IMTP?
The isometric mid-thigh pull is performed in what’s known as the “power position” or “second pull position” from Olympic lifting—hips and knees slightly bent, back upright, bar at mid-thigh height.
In this position, you pull as hard as possible against an immovable bar for a few seconds. It’s all about maximum effort, not movement. The result? A highly accurate reading of how much force your body can produce in one of the most critical positions for athletic movement.
Why Does It Matter?
IMTP results have strong correlations with key performance and resilience measures:
- Sprint speed (especially over short distances like 10–30m)
- Jump height and distance
- Change of direction and agility
- Weightlifting and powerlifting performance
- Injury prevention and return-to-play readiness
- Overall muscular health and force capacity
For competitive athletes, it provides high-level insight.
For everyday athletes, it tracks progress, identifies imbalances, and gives direction for building long-term strength.
How Do You Compare? Normative Data for Females
Here’s how your relative peak force (measured in Newtons per kilogram of bodyweight, or N/kg BW) compares to various groups:
| Population | Age Range | Relative Peak Force (N/kg BW) | Notes |
| Youth Females (General) | <18 | 13–22 | Varies with maturation and training level |
| Elite Youth Netball Players | <18 | 26–31 | Significantly higher due to advanced training |
| Adult Females (General) | 18–50 | 15–22 | Influenced by lifestyle and activity level |
| NCAA Division I Female Athletes | 18–22 | 25–35 | Includes sports like volleyball and basketball |
| Female Soccer Players | ~20 | 27–30 | Professional and semi-pro levels |
| Rugby Players (Female) | 18–35 | 28–35 | One of the highest-demand strength sports |
| Females Aged 30–50 (General) | 30–50 | 15–22 | Matches typical adult female range |
Why This Matters—for Everyone
You don’t need to be a pro athlete to care about this data.
- If you’re training for performance, this test shows if your training is translating to actual force output.
- If you’re focused on functional strength and longevity, the IMTP can help assess your baseline and track improvements in your ability to move, lift, and live well.
- If you’re rehabbing an injury, the force curve can reveal asymmetries and progress during return to play or return to activity.
In short—it’s not just about numbers, it’s about what those numbers mean for your goals, health, and performance.
Final Thoughts
The mid-thigh pull offers a unique snapshot of how strong and prepared your body is—whether you’re chasing podiums, preventing injuries, or simply training to stay strong and capable for life.
Curious where you stand?
If you’ve already completed an IMTP with us, you can request a full analysis of your force curve. Not tested yet? You can book a private session as part of the new sport science services now available at Northern Strength Academy. Let’s break down your numbers and see how they stack up.