Abstract
The hip abductor muscles are vitally important for pelvis stability, and common strength deficits can negatively affect functionality. The muscle strength can be measured using different dynamometers and be evaluated in three positions (side-lying, standing, and supine). Obtained strength data can be expressed in different ways, with data normalization providing more objective and comparable results. The aim of this study was to establish the validity and reliability of three protocols in evaluating the isometric strength of the hip abductor muscles. A new functional electromechanical dynamometer assessed strength in three positions, with findings subjected to three data normalization methods. In two identical sessions, the hip abductor strengths of 29 subjects were recorded in the side-lying, standing, and supine positions. Peak force was recorded in absolute terms and normalized against body mass, fat-free mass, and an allometric technique. The peak force recorded in the side-lying position was 30% and 27% higher than in the standing and supine positions, respectively, independent of data normalization methodology. High inter-protocol correlations were found (r: 0.72 to 0.98, p ≤ 0.001). The supine position with allometric data normalization had the highest test-retest reliability (0.94 intraclass correlation coefficient and 5.64% coefficient of variation). In contrast, the side-lying position with body mass data normalization had a 0.66 intraclass correlation coefficient and 9.8% coefficient of variation. In conclusion, the functional electromechanical dynamometer is a valid device for measuring isometric strength in the hip abductor muscles. The three assessed positions are reliable, although the supine position with allometric data normalization provided the best results.
Highlights
IntroductionThis is so for unipedal stances, such as walking, [1]
The hip abductor muscles are key in stabilizing the pelvis
Consequent impacts to walking can include the Trendelenburg gait [9], dysfunctions can arise distant to the affected joint, including lower back dysfunctions [10] and patellofemoral pain syndrome in the knee [11,12,13,14,15,16]
Summary
This is so for unipedal stances, such as walking, [1] In conjunction with these muscles, the biomechanical properties of the joints must be prepared to receive heavy loads and ensure mobility of the inferior limbs and trunk. All of these factors highlight the importance of this zone in maintaining stability during daily tasks and sporting activities that involve unipedal impacts [2, 3]. Strength deficits in the hip abductor muscles occur as a result of aging and certain pathologies, negatively affecting daily life activities [4]. Consequent impacts to walking can include the Trendelenburg gait [9], dysfunctions can arise distant to the affected joint, including lower back dysfunctions [10] and patellofemoral pain syndrome in the knee [11,12,13,14,15,16]
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