The Hip Abduction Strength Test measures the maximum isometric force produced during hip abduction with the hip flexed to 90°. Using the Anker, the assessment provides an objective and repeatable measure of hip abductor strength in a standardised position.
The hip abductors are essential for maintaining pelvic stability during single-leg activities and contribute to walking, running, jumping, landing and change-of-direction movements. Assessing hip abduction strength may assist with baseline strength profiling, side-to-side comparison and monitoring changes over time.
The primary muscles assessed are the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus and tensor fasciae latae, with assistance from the upper fibres of gluteus maximus depending on hip position.
When used with Measurz, the Anker records peak force and can calculate additional metrics including force relative to body weight, impulse, torque (when the lever arm is entered), rate of force development, time to peak and fatigue index.
The assessment measures muscle force only and should always be interpreted alongside symptoms, movement quality and functional performance.
The Hip Abduction Strength Test is an isometric assessment performed with the hip and knee flexed to 90°. The client attempts to move the thigh away from the body's midline by pushing against the Anker while maintaining a stable pelvis and trunk.
Testing at 90° hip flexion changes the contribution of the hip abductors compared with testing in neutral, allowing strength to be assessed in a different functional position.
The fixed resistance provided by the Anker allows the assessment to be repeated consistently when the same positioning, anatomical landmarks and instructions are maintained.
Explain that the assessment measures how strongly they can push their leg away from the body's midline without moving their pelvis or trunk.
Record any:
hip pain
lateral hip pain
groin pain
lower back pain
recent injury
previous surgery
neurological symptoms
fatigue
Perform one or two submaximal practice contractions before maximal testing.
Seat the client with:
hips flexed to 90°
knees flexed to 90°
pelvis evenly positioned against the backrest
trunk upright
thighs fully supported
feet relaxed
Maintain identical positioning during every reassessment.
Ensure:
both femurs remain parallel
the patella faces forwards
the knees remain level
the pelvis remains square
Position the Anker load cell against the lateral aspect of the distal femur, approximately 5 cm proximal to the lateral femoral epicondyle.
Avoid positioning directly over the knee joint.
Using the distal femur provides a consistent lever arm and improves repeatability between testing sessions.
Prevent movement of:
pelvis
trunk
opposite thigh
lumbar spine
The movement should occur only as an isometric hip abduction effort.
Use consistent verbal cues.
"Push your leg outwards."
"Increase the pressure smoothly."
"Push as hard as you can."
"Hold."
"Keep breathing."
Use identical instructions during every reassessment.
Use:
1–2 familiarisation trials
2–3 maximal trials
3–5 second contractions
30–60 seconds rest between efforts
Record either:
the highest force value, or
the average of the recorded trials
Use the same scoring method during future assessments.
the pelvis rotates
the trunk leans
the opposite leg assists
the testing thigh lifts
the knee changes position
the load cell slips
pain limits maximal effort
the client starts before instructed
The Hip Abduction Strength Test may be useful for:
establishing baseline hip strength
comparing left and right limbs
monitoring changes over time
lower-limb strength profiling
athlete performance assessment
monitoring response to exercise
objective reporting using Measurz
educating clients about measurable progress
The assessment should support a broader physical assessment and should not be used as a stand-alone diagnostic or return-to-sport assessment.
The primary outcome is peak isometric hip abduction force.
When analysed in Measurz, additional metrics may include:
Peak force
Force relative to body weight
Impulse
Torque
Rate of force development
Time to peak
Fatigue index
The assessment does not directly measure:
hip joint mobility
tendon integrity
balance
movement quality
gait mechanics
readiness to return to sport or work
Higher force values generally indicate greater hip abductor strength in the testing position.
Lower force values may reflect:
pain
fatigue
reduced confidence
previous injury
poor familiarisation
inconsistent positioning
movement compensation
Interpret results by considering:
previous assessment results
left versus right limb differences
symptoms during testing
movement compensations
sport, work and daily-life demands
Published Anker-specific normative values are currently unavailable.
Hip abduction strength has been extensively investigated using handheld dynamometry. Research has demonstrated excellent reliability when testing positions, stabilisation and lever arms are standardised. Because protocols differ between devices, baseline comparison and repeated testing using the same setup are generally more meaningful than comparing absolute values with published data.
A side-to-side difference of approximately 10% or greater may warrant further assessment when accompanied by symptoms, previous injury or functional limitations.
Youth
Provide additional familiarisation trials and interpret results relative to growth, maturation and sporting participation.
Adults
Useful for baseline assessment and monitoring strength changes over time.
Older adults
Interpret alongside walking ability, balance, transfers and functional independence.
Athletes
Useful for sports involving running, jumping, cutting, landing and single-leg stability.
Clients with persistent symptoms
Interpret results alongside pain, confidence, movement quality and functional capacity rather than strength alone.
Common errors include:
pelvic rotation
trunk leaning
lifting the testing thigh
inconsistent knee position
inconsistent load cell placement
pushing with the foot instead of abducting from the hip
inconsistent verbal cueing
Limitations include:
results are specific to the testing position
pain may reduce maximal force production
muscle strength alone does not determine function
published Anker-specific normative values remain limited
The assessment may be useful for:
establishing baseline hip abductor strength
monitoring changes following exercise
comparing left and right limbs
lower-limb performance profiling
athlete monitoring
objective reporting within Measurz
educating clients using measurable outcomes
It measures maximal isometric hip abduction strength with the hip flexed to 90°.
Changing the hip angle alters muscle length and mechanical advantage, providing additional information about hip abductor function across different positions.
Peak force is the primary outcome measure for routine assessment.
Yes. Bilateral testing provides meaningful side-to-side comparison and improves progress monitoring.
No. It measures muscle force only and should be interpreted alongside symptoms, clinical assessment and other physical tests.
Measures maximal isometric hip abduction strength with the hip flexed to 90°.
Primarily assesses the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus and tensor fasciae latae.
Peak force is the primary routine outcome measure.
Measurz provides additional force-time metrics when used with the Anker.
Consistent client positioning, load cell placement and cueing improve repeatability.
Baseline comparison and repeated testing are generally more valuable than broad population norms.
Bohannon, R. W. (1997). Reference values for extremity muscle strength obtained by hand-held dynamometry from adults aged 20 to 79 years. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 78(1), 26–32.
Mentiplay, B. F., Perraton, L. G., Bower, K. J., Adair, B., Pua, Y. H., Williams, G. P., McGaw, R., & Clark, R. A. (2015). Assessment of lower limb muscle strength and power using hand-held and fixed dynamometry: A reliability and validity study. PLOS ONE, 10(10), e0140822.
Thorborg, K., Bandholm, T., Hölmich, P., et al. (2011). Hip adduction and abduction strength assessment using handheld dynamometry in athletic populations. British Journal of Sports Medicine.
