The Hip Extension Strength Test measures isometric force output during hip extension. The client pushes the thigh backward or downward against a Muscle Meter, handheld dynamometer, strap or fixed setup while the professional controls pelvis, trunk and limb position. When used on its own, the Muscle Meter primarily measures peak force. When used with Measurz, additional force-time metrics may be recorded or analysed depending on the setup, protocol and data quality. The result should be interpreted alongside symptoms, hip range of motion, trunk control, gait, sprinting, jumping, lifting, sport or work demands, baseline comparison and repeated testing.
Hip extension strength is important for walking, running, sprinting, jumping, landing, stair climbing, lifting, bridging, change of direction and many strength-training movements.
The main contributors to hip extension include:
gluteus maximus
hamstrings
posterior fibres of adductor magnus
deep hip stabilisers
trunk and pelvis stabilisers that help control body position during resisted effort
A Muscle Meter or handheld dynamometer can help quantify hip extension force rather than relying only on visual observation or manual muscle testing grades. This makes baseline testing, side-to-side comparison and progress tracking more objective.
Hip extension dynamometry can be reliable when the protocol is well controlled, but joint angle, client position, device placement and stabilisation matter. Belt-stabilised handheld dynamometry research has assessed hip extension across multiple angles and found that measurement properties vary by angle and position, reinforcing that hip extension test results should only be compared when the setup is consistent.
The test does not diagnose gluteus maximus weakness cause, hamstring injury, hip joint pathology, lower-back pain, nerve involvement or readiness to return to sport or work on its own. It is a strength measurement that should be interpreted with the broader assessment.
The Hip Extension Strength Test measures how much force a client can produce when moving the thigh behind the body or pressing into extension against a fixed or resisted device.
In a Muscle Meter or handheld dynamometer setup, the client usually performs a make test:
the device stays still
the client gradually builds force
the client pushes into the device as hard as safely possible
the peak or average force is recorded
For this article, the default version is a push test / make test. The client attempts to extend the hip while the Muscle Meter or handheld dynamometer resists movement at the posterior thigh or distal thigh.
A strap-stabilised or fixed setup may also be used. This can reduce the influence of assessor strength and improve consistency, especially when testing stronger clients.
A 2025 systematic review of hip handheld dynamometry reported that HHD values can correlate strongly with isokinetic dynamometry, but reliability and validity are influenced by muscle group, evaluator proficiency and protocol standardisation. This is directly relevant for hip extension because pelvis position, lumbar extension, knee angle and device placement can all change the score.
The Muscle Meter is a handheld dynamometry tool used to measure force output during push, pull and isometric strength assessments. When used on its own, the Muscle Meter primarily measures peak force, which is the highest force value produced during the test.
When the Muscle Meter is used with Measurz, the assessment can be recorded, analysed and interpreted with a broader set of strength and force-time metrics. Depending on the test setup, protocol and available data, Measurz and the Muscle Meter can be used to assess and record:
Peak force
Impulse
Torque
Rate of torque development
Rate of force development
Time to peak
Fatigue index
These metrics help professionals move beyond a single strength number and better understand how force is produced, how quickly it is produced, how long it is sustained, and how performance changes across repeated efforts.
For the Hip Extension Strength Test, the most useful routine metric is usually peak force. Other metrics may be useful in specific situations:
Torque may be useful if the lever arm from the hip joint to the device placement is measured.
Rate of force development may be useful when rapid hip extension force matters, such as sprinting, jumping, acceleration or change of direction.
Time to peak may provide context when a client produces force slowly.
Impulse may be useful if sustained hip extension force over a selected time window is relevant.
Fatigue index may be useful only if repeated or sustained hip extension efforts are part of the protocol.
Not every test needs every metric. The most appropriate metric depends on the test goal, body region, setup, client population, device placement, protocol quality and the professional question being asked.
The Muscle Meter and Measurz should be used for measurement, assessment reasoning, comparison, education and progress tracking. They should not be positioned as diagnosing a condition, confirming readiness, clearing participation or explaining symptoms on their own.
Hip extension strength testing may be useful because the hip extensors contribute to propulsion, lifting, acceleration, jumping and pelvis control.
The test can help professionals:
establish a baseline hip extension strength score
compare left and right hip extension force
monitor progress after training or rehabilitation
track changes after hip, hamstring, pelvis, knee or lower-back symptoms
identify whether effort is limited by pain, fatigue or confidence
support client education with objective data
compare strength with gait, sprinting, jumping, lifting or sport demands
record consistent strength information for progress tracking
The test should support assessment reasoning. It should not be used as a stand-alone diagnostic or clearance measure.
When used independently, the Muscle Meter measures peak force.
When used with Measurz, Muscle Meter testing can support deeper analysis of force and strength performance, including:
Peak force: The highest force produced during the test.
Impulse: The total force applied across a selected time period.
Torque: The rotational force produced around the hip when force and lever arm are considered.
Rate of torque development: How quickly torque is produced.
Rate of force development: How quickly force is produced.
Time to peak: How long it takes to reach the highest force or torque value.
Fatigue index: How much performance declines across repeated or sustained efforts.
For hip extension, peak force is usually the primary score. Torque may be more meaningful than raw force if the lever arm is measured because hip extension is a rotational joint action. Rate of force development and time to peak may be relevant in sprinting, jumping or rapid lifting contexts, but they should not be treated as automatically meaningful for every client.
The test may provide insight into:
hip extension force capacity
gluteal and hamstring contribution
side-to-side force differences
confidence producing force
pain response during resisted hip extension
change in force over time
relationship between strength and running, jumping or lifting function
It does not directly measure:
gluteus maximus muscle quality
hamstring tendon integrity
hip joint structure
nerve conduction
lumbar spine contribution
gait quality
sprinting speed
jumping power
lifting capacity
tissue healing
readiness to return to sport or work
Explain the test clearly.
Example wording:
“We are going to measure how much force you can produce when pushing your thigh backwards against the Muscle Meter. This is a strength test, not a diagnosis. Tell me if you feel pain, cramping, numbness, tingling or anything unusual.”
Use:
Muscle Meter, handheld dynamometer or fixed dynamometry device
flat pad, strap pad or suitable thigh attachment
optional belt, strap or fixed frame for stabilisation
plinth, chair, wall frame or rig if needed
pain rating scale
assessment recording workflow
Default method:
Push test / make test
The client attempts to push the thigh into hip extension while the stationary device resists the effort.
The professional holds or fixes the device in place.
Alternative method:
Strap-stabilised or fixed test
The device or strap resists hip extension force.
This can reduce the influence of assessor strength and improve repeatability.
Push and pull values should be recorded separately. Do not compare them unless the protocol supports that comparison.
Common prone position:
client lies face down on a plinth
pelvis stays level and supported
tested hip positioned at the chosen angle
knee straight or bent depending on the protocol
device placed against the posterior distal thigh
client pushes the thigh upward or backward into the device
Common standing position:
client stands upright
tested thigh pushes backward into a fixed device or strap
pelvis and trunk kept level
hand support standardised
knee angle controlled
Common supine bridge or hook-lying option:
client lies on their back
knee bent and foot positioned consistently
hip extension effort occurs through a bridge or press-down setup
device or force system captures force depending on the setup
Prone and fixed strap-stabilised positions are often easier to standardise than standing because trunk lean and balance demands can be reduced.
Record:
hip angle
hip rotation position
knee angle
whether the knee is straight or bent
whether the pelvis is strapped or manually stabilised
whether the test is prone, standing, supine, bridge-based or fixed
Knee position matters. A straight-knee hip extension test may increase hamstring contribution, while a bent-knee test may reduce hamstring contribution and bias gluteus maximus more. Do not compare straight-knee and bent-knee values as if they are the same test.
Hip angle also matters. Hip extension has been tested with belt-stabilised handheld dynamometry at multiple hip positions, including extension and flexion angles, and measurement properties vary by setup.
The professional should position themselves to:
stabilise the pelvis or device
keep the Muscle Meter aligned with the force direction
prevent device slipping
avoid being overpowered by the client
observe trunk, pelvis and hip compensation
read the device safely
Place the device against the posterior thigh, depending on the protocol.
Common landmarks include:
posterior distal thigh
just proximal to the popliteal crease
posterior mid-thigh
strap around distal thigh
fixed cuff or pad
Avoid placing the device directly behind the knee joint or on a painful bony prominence.
Record the exact landmark used.
Stabilise:
pelvis
trunk
non-tested leg
device or strap
hip rotation position
testing surface or frame
Avoid:
lumbar extension compensation
pelvis lifting, rotating or tilting
trunk rotation
hip external rotation compensation
knee angle changing when not intended
pushing through the foot instead of the thigh if not part of the protocol
device movement
breath holding
A fixed or strap-stabilised setup is often useful for strong clients because assessor-held handheld dynamometry can be limited by the assessor’s ability to resist force.
The client attempts to extend the hip:
“push your thigh backwards into the device”
or, in prone, “push your leg up into the device”
force is directed posteriorly or upward depending on the setup
the device resists movement
the hip should remain close to isometric, with minimal visible movement
Use consistent instructions:
“Build up gradually.”
“Push your thigh back into the device.”
“Push as hard as you safely can.”
“Hold the effort.”
“Keep your pelvis still.”
“Keep your trunk still.”
“Keep breathing.”
“Tell me if you feel pain or symptoms.”
Use:
1–2 submaximal practice trials
1 familiarisation maximal effort if needed
consistent cueing
enough rest before recorded trials
Familiarisation is important because some clients compensate by arching the lower back, rotating the hip, pushing through the foot or changing knee angle.
A practical protocol:
2–3 recorded trials per side
3–5 second contraction
45–90 seconds rest between trials
same side tested first each time
record best trial or average of trials
Use the same method at retest.
Use enough rest to reduce fatigue:
45 seconds minimum for low-irritability testing
60–90 seconds for stronger clients or high-effort testing
longer rest if pain, cramping or fatigue affects effort
Repeat or mark a trial invalid if:
device slips
pelvis tilts, lifts or rotates
lower back arches strongly
trunk rotates
hip rotation changes noticeably
knee position changes
client pushes through the foot when thigh force is intended
pain limits effort unexpectedly
the client does not understand the task
compensations make the result unreliable
Stop testing if the client reports:
sharp hip, hamstring, buttock, back or leg pain
cramping that does not settle
worsening neurological symptoms
numbness or tingling
dizziness or distress
inability to produce safe effort
For clients with acute hamstring pain, suspected muscle strain, high-irritability hip or lower-back symptoms, recent surgery or neurological symptoms, use a lower-intensity test or defer maximal testing.
Retest using the same:
device
attachment
client position
hip angle
hip rotation position
knee position
device placement
stabilisation
side order
number of trials
contraction duration
rest period
scoring method
unit of measurement
A push test usually means the client pushes into the Muscle Meter or handheld dynamometer while the device stays still.
For hip extension testing:
the device is placed at the posterior thigh
the client attempts to push the thigh backwards or upward
the device resists the movement
the score usually reflects peak force
Benefits:
practical
quick to set up
useful for baseline testing
easy to explain to clients
Limitations:
assessor strength can influence the result
device placement affects results
pelvis and trunk compensation can occur
stronger clients may overpower the tester
A pull test may use a strap, cable or fixed attachment where the client pulls or drives the thigh into hip extension against a fixed resistance.
Benefits:
may improve repeatability when fixed well
may reduce assessor strength influence
useful for stronger clients or repeated monitoring
may better support force-time metrics
Limitations:
requires more setup
strap placement must be consistent
values may differ from push testing
should be recorded separately
A fixed setup can improve consistency because the device or strap is anchored rather than manually resisted.
This is helpful when:
clients are strong
repeated testing matters
small changes are being tracked
multiple staff need to test consistently
torque or force-time metrics are being used
Recent hip extension and abduction research has examined both push and pull configurations for peak torque and rate of torque development, which supports documenting the exact configuration rather than pooling values across methods.
Push, pull and strap-stabilised scores should not be mixed unless the protocol and evidence support comparison.
Record the exact unit displayed by the device:
kilograms, kg
pounds, lb
Newtons, N
kilograms-force, kgf
pounds-force, lbf
Newton metres, Nm, if torque is calculated
percentage of body weight, %BW, if relevant
In strict physics terms, force is measured in Newtons, while kilograms are a unit of mass. In applied dynamometry, some devices display force-equivalent values in kilograms. For practical recording, use the unit displayed by the device and keep the same unit across retesting.
If using the Muscle Meter alone, the primary score is usually peak force.
If using the Muscle Meter with Measurz, additional metrics may be available, including:
impulse
torque
rate of torque development
rate of force development
time to peak
fatigue index
For the Hip Extension Strength Test, peak force is usually the most practical primary metric. Torque is useful if the lever arm from the hip joint to the device placement is measured. Rate of force development and time to peak may be useful in sport, sprinting, jumping, lifting or acceleration contexts. Fatigue index is only relevant when repeated or sustained efforts are part of the protocol.
Do not present force-time metrics as diagnostic or clearance tools.
There is no fixed universal score range. Scores depend on:
device
units
body size
hip angle
hip rotation position
knee position
device placement
stabilisation
population
effort quality
pain or symptoms
scoring method
Record whether the final score is:
best trial
average of trials
peak force
left-right difference
percentage of body weight
torque, if calculated
Either best trial or average trial may be used if it is applied consistently.
A higher score may suggest:
greater hip extension force output
greater ability to generate force against resistance
better side-to-side symmetry if the opposite side is similar
progress from baseline if the protocol is unchanged
A lower score may suggest:
reduced hip extension force output
pain-limited effort
fatigue
guarding
reduced confidence
poor familiarisation
poor stabilisation
pelvis, trunk or lumbar compensation
symptoms affecting effort
A lower score does not explain the reason for the difference on its own.
Torque can be calculated when force and lever arm are known.
Simple concept:
Torque = force × lever arm
Example:
force = 340 N
lever arm = 0.40 m
torque = 136 Nm
Torque may be useful because hip extension is a rotational action around the hip. However, torque is only meaningful when the lever arm is measured consistently.
Side-to-side comparison can be useful when one side is affected.
Record:
left score
right score
difference in kg, lb, N or Nm
percentage difference
affected side
dominant side if relevant
Symmetry is useful, but symmetry alone does not confirm readiness or explain symptoms.
Percentage of body weight can express force relative to body mass and is commonly useful in lower-limb strength profiling.
If the device displays kilograms:
Force in kg ÷ body mass in kg × 100 = percentage of body weight
If the device displays pounds:
Force in lb ÷ body weight in lb × 100 = percentage of body weight
If the device displays Newtons:
Force in N ÷ body weight in N × 100 = percentage of body weight
Example:
body mass = 80 kg
hip extension score = 42 kg
42 ÷ 80 × 100 = 52.5% body weight
Body weight percentage may help with:
comparing clients of different sizes
tracking changes when body mass changes
sport or occupational profiling
internal benchmarking
comparing against matched reference values
Limitations:
body weight percentage values are test-specific
they should not be compared across different muscle groups
they should not be compared across different devices or protocols unless closely matched
they are not universal pass/fail thresholds
they should be interpreted with symptoms, function, goals and related findings
The score does not prove:
diagnosis
cause of weakness
hamstring strain
gluteal pathology
hip joint pathology
nerve injury
lower-back pain cause
tissue healing
readiness to sprint
readiness to lift
readiness to return to sport
readiness for work duties
effectiveness of one intervention by itself
Published hip extension strength reference values exist, but they are highly protocol-specific.
A population-based observational study provided age- and sex-specific norms for lower-limb strength, including hip extension, in adults aged 20–97 years. This is useful benchmark evidence, but it should only be applied when the measurement method and population are relevant to the client being tested.
A World Physiotherapy report described normative values for isometric hip muscle force using handheld dynamometry in women aged 20–29 years, with values normalised to body weight. This provides context for a specific young adult female population but should not be used as a universal threshold.
A scoping review of adult handheld dynamometry reference values found gaps in protocol description, units and psychometric properties across the literature. This supports matched-protocol comparison and local baseline tracking rather than universal pass/fail thresholds.
For this exact Measurz Muscle Meter hip extension setup, broad universal norms or body-weight percentage thresholds are not appropriate unless the protocol and population match the reference source.
Use practical comparison guidance:
compare left and right sides
compare with the client’s own baseline
use the same device and unit
calculate torque only if lever arm is measured
calculate % body weight if useful for profiling
compare only with matched protocols where available
interpret with pain, gait, sprinting, jumping, lifting and task demands
avoid universal pass/fail thresholds
At the time of writing, high-quality peer-reviewed normative or body-weight percentage reference values for this exact Muscle Meter hip extension test, device, position and population appear limited. Interpretation should rely more heavily on baseline comparison, side-to-side comparison, repeated testing, internal benchmarks, client goals, symptoms, confidence, movement quality and related assessment findings.
In youth clients, hip extension testing may be useful for:
baseline strength profiling
monitoring growth-related changes
comparing sides after injury
tracking progress over time
supporting sport or training monitoring
A higher score may suggest greater force output in the tested position. A lower score may suggest reduced force output, but it may also reflect coordination, attention, test unfamiliarity, confidence or body size.
In youth clients, changes in force output may reflect:
growth
maturation
improved coordination
familiarisation
strength adaptation
confidence
body size changes
Adult reference values should not be applied unless evidence clearly supports the comparison.
For general fitness clients, hip extension Muscle Meter testing is often most useful for:
baseline comparison
progress tracking
side-to-side comparison
education
monitoring response to training
A higher score may suggest greater hip extension force output. A lower score may suggest reduced force capacity, but it should be interpreted with activity level, symptoms, hip mobility, trunk control and test familiarity.
Repeated testing is usually more useful than one isolated value.
In older adults, hip extension strength may be relevant to:
walking
stair climbing
getting in and out of chairs
bridging
balance recovery
lifting
daily movement confidence
Older adults may need:
slower ramp-up
more familiarisation
longer rest
cautious effort cues
careful symptom monitoring
a position that is comfortable and safe
In older adults, hip extension testing can provide useful strength context, but it should be interpreted alongside balance, gait, general lower-limb strength, pain, confidence and functional tasks.
For athletes, hip extension strength may be relevant to:
sprinting
acceleration
jumping
landing
cutting
skating
lifting
change of direction
return-to-training monitoring
A higher force score may suggest greater hip extension capacity in the tested position, but sport performance also depends on:
rate of force development
impulse
hip flexion strength
trunk control
pelvis control
hamstring capacity
reactive strength
running or jumping mechanics
workload tolerance
sport skill
For athletes, Measurz force-time metrics may be useful when the protocol is designed well. For example:
Rate of force development may provide context for acceleration, jumping or rapid hip drive.
Impulse may help describe force sustained over a selected time.
Time to peak may show whether force is produced quickly or slowly.
Fatigue index may be useful only in repeated-effort protocols.
A 2024 study comparing handheld dynamometry with isokinetic dynamometry for hip peak torque and rate of torque development reinforces that rate-based metrics require careful methodology and should not be assumed meaningful without a suitable setup and high-quality data.
These metrics still should not be treated as diagnostic or clearance tools.
In workplace or occupational settings, hip extension testing may provide context for:
walking
stairs
ladders
lifting
carrying
pushing tasks
repeated hip-hinge or squat patterns
uneven-ground work
The score should be interpreted alongside:
job demands
symptoms
balance
gait
fatigue
task exposure
professional judgement
Do not use one force score to clear a worker for full duties.
For clients returning after hip, hamstring, pelvis, knee, ankle or lower-back injury, hip extension testing may help monitor:
side-to-side force recovery
confidence producing force
pain during resisted hip extension
baseline-to-retest change
relationship with gait, sprinting, jumping, lifting and sport tasks
A side-to-side difference may provide useful monitoring information, but symmetry alone does not confirm readiness or explain symptoms.
Pain may reduce force output through:
guarding
apprehension
reduced confidence
fatigue
symptom flare
unfamiliarity with loading
A lower force score may reflect reduced force capacity, pain, guarding, apprehension, fatigue or test unfamiliarity. It should not be used to explain the cause of pain on its own.
Always record pain during the test.
A client may produce a high absolute force score but a different value relative to body weight.
Body-weight percentage may help contextualise force for lower-limb tasks such as:
walking
running
sprinting
jumping
stair climbing
lifting
changing direction
Body-weight percentage is useful, but it should still be interpreted with:
baseline change
side-to-side comparison
torque where lever arm is known
task-specific demands
symptoms and confidence
movement quality
Reliability describes how consistent the test is when repeated.
Validity describes whether the test measures what it is intended to measure.
SEM estimates measurement error around a score.
MDC estimates how much change may be needed to exceed measurement error.
Typical error and coefficient of variation help explain normal variation across repeated testing.
Belt-stabilised handheld dynamometry research has examined hip extension across multiple hip angles. The study found that hip strength measurement properties vary across angles and positions, supporting standardised hip extension testing and cautious comparison across protocols.
A 2024 study examined handheld dynamometry validity and reliability for hip joint rate of torque development and peak torque compared with isokinetic dynamometry. It highlights that rate-based metrics such as RTD require careful methodology and should not be assumed to be meaningful unless the setup and data quality support them.
Recent research has also explored hip extension and abduction peak torque and rate of torque development using push and pull handheld dynamometry configurations, supporting the need to specify configuration and not compare values across different setups without caution.
For the exact Measurz Muscle Meter hip extension protocol, high-quality peer-reviewed evidence reporting SEM, MDC, typical error or coefficient of variation appears limited unless the device, position and stabilisation match a published protocol.
Reliability is stronger when you standardise:
device
attachment
hip angle
hip rotation position
knee position
client position
device placement
pelvis stabilisation
trunk position
force direction
contraction duration
rest period
trial selection method
symptom recording
A change is more meaningful when:
it exceeds known measurement error for a matching protocol
it is repeated across sessions
it aligns with improved function
symptoms are stable or improved
effort quality is consistent
the same device and setup were used
Common errors include:
not recording client position
not recording hip angle
not recording knee angle
changing device placement at retest
allowing pelvis tilt, lift or rotation
allowing lumbar extension compensation
allowing hip rotation compensation
allowing foot push-off when not intended
using assessor-held resistance for very strong clients
mixing kg, lb and N without conversion
not recording pain during the test
treating the score as a diagnosis
using symmetry as the only readiness marker
assuming every Measurz force-time metric is relevant to every test
Limitations include:
handheld resistance can be limited by assessor strength
device placement affects results
hip and knee angle affect force output
trunk and pelvis position influence the score
pain and apprehension can reduce effort
fatigue can affect later trials
normative values are protocol-specific
body-weight percentage values are not universal
torque requires an accurate lever arm
rate of force development requires high-quality time-series data
fatigue index requires repeated or sustained effort testing
the test measures force in one position, not full movement performance
The Hip Extension Strength Test may help with:
baseline hip extensor strength testing
monitoring hip extension strength over time
left-right comparison
lower-limb injury progress tracking
hip extensor and posterior-chain load-capacity context
gait, sprinting, jumping and lifting task assessment
sport performance support
workplace task assessment
client education
It is most useful when combined with:
hip flexion strength
hip abduction strength
hip adduction strength
hip rotation strength
hamstring strength
hip range of motion
trunk strength or control
single-leg balance
squat, bridge or hinge observation
gait or running observation
pain and symptom notes
workload and training history
It measures isometric force output during hip extension, usually by having the client push the thigh backward or upward against a Muscle Meter, handheld dynamometer, strap or fixed setup.
When used on its own, the Muscle Meter primarily measures peak force, which is the highest force value produced during the test.
When the Muscle Meter is used with Measurz, the assessment may support additional metrics such as impulse, torque, rate of force development, rate of torque development, time to peak and fatigue index. These metrics are only meaningful when the test setup and data quality support them.
It can provide useful information about hip extension force, and gluteus maximus contributes strongly. However, hip extension also involves the hamstrings, adductor magnus and trunk-pelvis stabilisation, so it does not isolate one muscle perfectly.
Both options can be used, but they test different conditions. A straight-knee test may increase hamstring contribution, while a bent-knee test may reduce hamstring contribution and bias gluteus maximus more. Record the knee angle and repeat it at retest.
A lower score may suggest reduced force output in that position, but it does not explain why. Pain, fatigue, guarding, poor familiarisation, symptoms, pelvis movement, lumbar compensation or poor setup may all influence the result.
Torque can be calculated when the lever arm is known: force multiplied by lever arm. For example, 340 N × 0.40 m = 136 Nm.
No. It may show reduced force or pain during testing, but it does not diagnose the cause. It should be interpreted with symptoms, history, range of motion, functional tasks, related tests and professional judgement.
No. It can support strength monitoring, but return-to-sport or work reasoning should also consider pain, range of motion, gait, sprinting, jumping, lifting, workload, fatigue, confidence and professional judgement.
The Hip Extension Strength Test measures isometric hip extension force.
The common Muscle Meter version is a push or make test.
The Muscle Meter alone primarily measures peak force.
When used with Measurz, additional metrics such as impulse, torque, rate of force development, time to peak and fatigue index may be recorded or analysed when relevant.
Peak force is usually the most useful primary metric for this test.
Torque may be useful if the hip lever arm is measured.
Hip angle, knee angle, client position and device placement must be recorded.
Reliability depends on consistent setup, pelvis stabilisation, device placement and instructions.
The result should be interpreted with pain, symptoms, confidence, movement quality, baseline comparison and client goals.
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Chamorro, C., Armijo-Olivo, S., De la Fuente, C., Fuentes, J., & Chirosa, L. J. (2017). Absolute reliability and concurrent validity of hand-held dynamometry and isokinetic dynamometry in the hip, knee and ankle joint: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Open Medicine, 12, 359–375. https://doi.org/10.1515/med-2017-0052
de Boer, Y. A., van den Akker-Scheek, I., Huizinga, M. R., Reininga, I. H. F., Brouwer, R. W., & Stevens, M. (2022). What is known about muscle strength reference values for adults measured by hand-held dynamometry: A scoping review. Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation, 4(1), 100172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arrct.2021.100172
McNabb, K., Sánchez, M. B., Selfe, J., Reeves, N. D., & Callaghan, M. (2024). Handheld dynamometry: Validity and reliability of measuring hip joint rate of torque development and peak torque. PLOS ONE, 19(8), e0308956. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308956
Rider, P., et al. (2020). Measurement properties of hip strength measured by handheld dynamometry: Reliability and validity across the range of hip motion. Physical Therapy in Sport, 42, 100–106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2020.01.005
Stratford, P. W., Binkley, J. M., & others. (2020). Lower-limb muscle strength: Normative data from an observational population-based study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 21, 89. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-020-3098-7
Yoo, T., Kim, S., & colleagues. (2025). Reliability of hand-held dynamometer in measuring gluteal muscle rate of torque development and peak torque: Push and pull configurations. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. https://ijspt.scholasticahq.com/article/133550-reliability-of-hand-held-dynamometer-in-measuring-gluteal-muscle-rate-of-torque-development-and-peak-torque-push-and-pull-configurations
