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Intratester Reliability and Construct Validity of a Hip Abductor Eccentric Strength Test
Journal of Sport Rehabilitation
|November 16, 2017
Summary
This study validates the hip abductor eccentric strength test, showing it is reliable for measuring muscle strength. The test accurately captures peak force during the limb lowering phase, making it clinically useful.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Musculoskeletal research
- Rehabilitation science
Background:
- Side-lying hip abductor strength tests are standard for evaluating muscle strength.
- The "break" test aims to measure eccentric muscle strength, but the timing of peak force during limb lowering is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the intrarater reliability of a hip abductor eccentric strength test.
- To establish the construct validity of this test by verifying peak force occurs during the limb lowering phase.
Main Methods:
- A hip abductor eccentric strength test was administered to 20 healthy adults.
- Peak force and time to peak force were recorded using a handheld dynamometer, with limb position tracked by motion capture.
- Intrarater reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation, SEM, and minimal detectable difference.
Main Results:
- The test demonstrated substantial intrarater reliability (ICC=.88), with an SEM of 0.9 %BWh and MDD of 2.5 %BWh.
- Construct validity was confirmed, as peak force occurred significantly after the start of the lowering phase (2.1 seconds, P ≤ .001).
Conclusions:
- The hip abductor eccentric strength test is a valid and reliable tool for assessing eccentric muscle strength.
- This validated test can be utilized in clinical settings to monitor changes in eccentric muscle strength over time.
