Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026
In Vivo Quantification of Hip Arthrokinematics during Dynamic Weight-bearing Activities using Dual Fluoroscopy
Published on: July 2, 2021
Greater understanding of normal hip physical function may guide clinicians in providing targeted rehabilitation
Joanne L Kemp1, Anthony G Schache, Michael Makdissi
1University of Queensland, Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia. joanne.kemp@uq.net.au
Objectives:
This study investigated tests of hip muscle strength and functional performance. The specific objectives were to: (i) establish intra- and inter-rater reliability; (ii) compare differences between dominant and non-dominant limbs; (iii) compare agonist and antagonist muscle strength ratios; (iv) compare differences between genders; and (v) examine relationships between hip muscle strength, baseline measures and functional performance.
Design:
Reliability study and cross-sectional analysis of hip strength and functional performance.
Methods:
In healthy adults aged 18-50years, normalised hip muscle peak torque and functional performance were evaluated to: (i) establish intra-rater and inter-rater reliability; (ii) analyse differences between limbs, between antagonistic muscle groups and genders; and (iii) associations between strength and functional performance.
Results:
Excellent reliability (intra-rater ICC=0.77-0.96; inter-rater ICC=0.82-0.95) was observed. No difference existed between dominant and non-dominant limbs. Differences in strength existed between antagonistic pairs of muscles: hip abduction was greater than adduction (p<0.001) and hip ER was greater than IR (p<0.001). Men had greater ER strength (p=0.006) and hop for distance (p<0.001) than women. Strong associations were observed between measures of hip muscle strength (except hip flexion) and age, height, and functional performance.
Conclusions:
Deficits in hip muscle strength or functional performance may influence hip pain. In order to provide targeted rehabilitation programmes to address patient-specific impairments, and determine when individuals are ready to return to physical activity, clinicians are increasingly utilising tests of hip strength and functional performance. This study provides a battery of reliable, clinically applicable tests which can be used for these purposes.
