NORMATIVE ISOMETRIC HIP MUSCLE FORCE VALUES ASSESSED BY A MANUAL DYNAMOMETER.

Area of Science:

• Kinesiology
• Biomechanics
• Musculoskeletal Health

Background:

• Hand-held dynamometry offers a practical method for assessing muscle group isometric force.
• Establishing normative data for muscle strength is crucial for clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the feasibility of standardizing isometric hip muscle strength measurements relative to body weight.
• To establish reference values for hip flexor, extensor, adductor, abductor, and rotator muscle strength in young women.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-two healthy women (aged 20-29) with sedentary or sporadic activity levels participated.
• Bilateral isometric strength of hip flexors, extensors, adductors, abductors, internal, and external rotators was measured using hand-held dynamometry.
• Muscle force data were normalized to body weight and expressed as percentages.

Main Results:

• Hip flexor muscles demonstrated the highest isometric force (38.54% of body weight).
• Extensor muscles (27.04%), internal rotators (23.82%), external rotators (17.09%), adductors (16.89%), and abductors (16.85%) showed lower relative forces.
• Standardization of strength values by body weight was achieved.

Conclusions:

• Standardizing isometric hip muscle strength by body weight is feasible and clinically relevant.
• This standardization allows for the establishment of normal strength patterns.
• These data can inform clinical decisions regarding rehabilitation, return to sport, and injury assessment.