The Hip Adduction Strength Test measures the maximum isometric force produced during hip adduction with the hip positioned in neutral (0° hip flexion). Using the Anker, the assessment provides an objective and repeatable measure of hip adductor strength in a standardised position.
Testing the hip in neutral differs from assessments performed at 45° or 90° of hip flexion, as the length of the adductor muscles and their mechanical advantage change with joint position. This assessment provides useful information about force production closer to standing posture and complements strength testing performed at other hip angles.
The primary muscles assessed include the adductor magnus, adductor longus, adductor brevis, gracilis and pectineus. Together these muscles contribute to pelvic stability, frontal plane control, lower-limb alignment and force transfer during walking, running, cutting and directional changes.
When used with Measurz, the Anker records peak force and can calculate 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 Adduction Strength Test is an isometric assessment where the client attempts to move the testing leg towards the body's midline while the hip remains in a neutral position.
Testing in neutral provides a different mechanical demand to testing at 45° and 90° hip flexion and may provide additional information about adductor function during standing and weight-bearing activities.
The fixed resistance of the Anker allows the assessment to be reproduced consistently when the same client position, hip angle, anatomical landmarks and verbal instructions are maintained.
Explain that the assessment measures how strongly they can pull their leg towards the body's midline without moving the pelvis or trunk.
Record any:
groin pain
hip pain
lower abdominal discomfort
previous adductor injury
recent injury
previous surgery
neurological symptoms
fatigue
Perform one or two submaximal practice contractions before maximal testing.
Position the client in long sitting or supine according to the Anker setup.
Maintain:
hips in neutral (0° flexion)
knees fully extended unless the protocol specifies otherwise
pelvis level
trunk supported
lower limbs aligned
toes pointing towards the ceiling
Maintain the same setup during every reassessment.
Ensure:
the pelvis remains level
the femur begins in neutral alignment
the patella faces directly upwards
the limb remains relaxed before testing
Position the Anker load cell against the medial aspect of the distal femur, approximately 5 cm proximal to the medial femoral epicondyle.
Avoid placing the load cell directly over the knee joint or medial epicondyle.
Record the contact point to ensure consistent retesting.
Prevent movement of:
pelvis
lumbar spine
trunk
opposite limb
The contraction should occur through the hip adductors only.
Use consistent verbal instructions.
"Pull your leg towards the middle."
"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
Record either:
highest force, or
average of recorded trials
Use the same scoring method during future testing.
pelvis rotates
lumbar spine moves
opposite limb assists
hip angle changes
load cell slips
pain limits effort
the client begins before instructed
The Hip Adduction Strength Test may be useful for:
baseline strength assessment
side-to-side comparison
monitoring progress
lower-limb strength profiling
athlete performance assessment
monitoring response to exercise
objective reporting within Measurz
client education
The assessment supports broader assessment reasoning and should not be used as a stand-alone diagnostic tool.
The primary outcome is peak isometric hip adduction force with the hip positioned in neutral.
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 range of motion
adductor tendon integrity
balance
movement quality
readiness for sport or work
Higher force values generally indicate greater hip adductor strength in the testing position.
Lower force values may reflect:
pain
previous injury
fatigue
reduced effort
poor familiarisation
inconsistent positioning
movement compensation
Interpret the assessment by considering:
previous assessment results
left versus right differences
symptoms during testing
movement compensations
functional demands
Published Anker-specific normative values are currently unavailable.
Hip adductor strength has demonstrated excellent reliability using handheld dynamometry when testing position and stabilisation are standardised. Because force values vary between testing methods and lever arms, baseline comparison and repeated testing under the same conditions are generally more meaningful than comparing absolute force values between devices.
A side-to-side difference of approximately 10% or greater may warrant further assessment when consistent with symptoms or functional limitations.
Youth
Interpret relative to growth, coordination and sporting participation.
Adults
Useful for baseline assessment and long-term monitoring.
Older adults
Interpret alongside mobility, transfers and walking function.
Athletes
Useful for sprinting, kicking, skating and change-of-direction sports.
Clients with persistent symptoms
Interpret alongside pain, confidence and functional performance rather than strength alone.
Common errors include:
pelvic rotation
lumbar extension
opposite leg assisting
inconsistent load cell placement
inconsistent cueing
changing hip position during testing
Limitations include:
results are position-specific
pain may reduce force production
strength alone does not determine function
published Anker normative values remain limited
The assessment may be useful for:
baseline assessment
progress monitoring
side-to-side comparison
athlete profiling
lower-limb strength assessment
Measurz reporting
client education
It measures maximal isometric hip adduction strength with the hip positioned in neutral.
Hip position influences muscle length and force production. Assessing multiple positions provides a more comprehensive strength profile.
Peak force is the primary outcome measure.
Yes. Bilateral testing allows meaningful side-to-side comparison.
No. It measures muscle force only.
Measures maximal isometric hip adduction strength in neutral.
Complements testing performed at 45° and 90° hip flexion.
Peak force is the primary outcome measure.
Consistent positioning improves repeatability.
Compare results with previous assessments and the opposite limb.
Measurz provides additional force-time metrics.
Bohannon, R. W. (1997). Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 78(1), 26–32.
Mentiplay, B. F., et al. (2015). PLOS ONE, 10(10), e0140822.
Thorborg, K., et al. (2011). British Journal of Sports Medicine.
