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Concurrent Validation and Reference Values of Gluteus Medius Clinical Test
Amanda S S Teixeira1, Paula L Silva2, Sabrina P Cintra1
1Federal University of Minas Gerais.
International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy
|April 12, 2021
Summary
The gluteus medius clinical test is reliable for assessing hip abductor function, complementing hand-held dynamometry. This low-cost test offers valuable insights into muscle function beyond strength.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Musculoskeletal assessment
- Sports medicine
Background:
- Hip abductor muscles, primarily the gluteus medius, are crucial for controlling hip adduction in closed kinetic chains.
- Impaired frontal plane knee alignment during activities like squatting and jumping can overload joint structures, including the ACL and patellofemoral joint.
- Hand-held dynamometry (HHD) is a reliable tool for assessing hip abductor muscle strength.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the concurrent validity between a gluteus medius clinical test and HHD-based maximal isometric hip abductor force testing.
- To determine the intra- and inter-examiner reliability of the gluteus medius clinical test.
- To establish reference values for the gluteus medius clinical test in young athletes.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study design was employed.
- Thirty healthy individuals underwent maximal isometric hip abductor testing using HHD and the gluteus medius clinical test in separate weeks.
- Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2,2) were calculated for reliability, and the clinical test was administered to 273 athletes for reference values.
Main Results:
- A weak positive correlation (r = 0.436, p = 0.001) was observed between the clinical test and HHD, suggesting they assess different aspects of gluteus medius function (likely endurance vs. strength).
- Excellent intra- and inter-examiner reliability (ICC > 0.95) was demonstrated for the gluteus medius clinical test.
- Reference values were established for the gluteus medius clinical test in a population of youth athletes.
Conclusions:
- The gluteus medius clinical test is a reliable measure of hip abductor function.
- This clinical test assesses a different domain of muscular function than HHD, likely encompassing aspects beyond maximal strength.
- The low-cost nature of the gluteus medius clinical test makes it a practical addition to hip abductor assessments in clinical settings.
