The Hip Abduction Strength Test measures the maximum isometric force produced during hip abduction with the hip positioned in neutral (0° hip flexion). Using the Anker, the assessment provides an objective and repeatable measure of hip abductor strength in a standardised position.
Testing in neutral assesses hip abductor function closer to standing posture and complements testing performed at 45° and 90° hip flexion. The assessment is useful for 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 contribution from the upper fibres of gluteus maximus. Together these muscles stabilise the pelvis during single-leg stance and contribute to walking, running, jumping and landing mechanics.
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 Abduction Strength Test is an isometric assessment where the client attempts to move the testing leg away from the body's midline while the hip remains in neutral.
Compared with testing at greater hip flexion angles, this position may better reflect hip abductor function during standing and gait-related activities.
The Anker provides fixed resistance, allowing repeatable testing when positioning, anatomical landmarks and instructions remain consistent.
Explain that the assessment measures how strongly they can push their leg away from the body's midline while keeping the pelvis still.
Record any:
lateral hip pain
groin pain
lower back pain
recent injury
previous surgery
neurological symptoms
fatigue
Complete one or two familiarisation contractions before maximal testing.
Position the client in long sitting or supine according to the Anker setup.
Maintain:
hips in neutral
knees extended unless the protocol specifies otherwise
pelvis level
trunk supported
lower limbs aligned
toes pointing towards the ceiling
Repeat the same setup during every reassessment.
Ensure:
pelvis remains level
patella faces upwards
femur remains aligned
limb is relaxed before testing
Position the load cell against the lateral aspect of the distal femur, approximately 5 cm proximal to the lateral femoral epicondyle.
Avoid direct contact over the knee joint.
Record the contact point to improve repeatability.
Prevent movement of:
pelvis
trunk
lumbar spine
opposite limb
The effort should come from the hip abductors rather than pelvic movement.
Use consistent verbal instructions.
"Push your leg away from the middle."
"Build the pressure gradually."
"Push as hard as you can."
"Hold."
"Keep breathing."
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
Maintain the same scoring method for future testing.
pelvis rotates
trunk leans
opposite limb assists
hip angle changes
load cell slips
pain limits effort
the client starts before instructed
The Hip Abduction Strength Test may be useful for:
baseline assessment
side-to-side comparison
monitoring strength over time
athlete profiling
lower-limb performance assessment
objective reporting in Measurz
client education
The primary outcome is peak isometric hip abduction force.
Additional Measurz metrics 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:
balance
gait quality
movement quality
joint pathology
readiness for sport
Higher force values generally indicate greater hip abductor strength.
Lower values may reflect:
pain
fatigue
previous injury
reduced effort
inconsistent positioning
movement compensation
Interpret results by considering:
previous assessments
left versus right comparison
symptoms
functional goals
movement quality
Published Anker-specific normative values are currently unavailable.
Hip abduction strength demonstrates excellent reliability using standardised dynamometry protocols. Because testing position and lever arm influence force values, repeated testing using the same protocol is generally more meaningful than comparison with external normative values.
A side-to-side difference of approximately 10% or greater may warrant further investigation when accompanied by symptoms or functional limitations.
Youth
Interpret relative to growth and activity level.
Adults
Useful for baseline assessment and monitoring progress.
Older adults
Interpret alongside walking, balance and transfers.
Athletes
Useful for running, jumping, landing and change-of-direction sports.
Clients with persistent symptoms
Interpret alongside symptoms and function rather than strength alone.
Common errors include:
pelvic rotation
trunk leaning
inconsistent load cell placement
opposite limb assisting
changing hip position
inconsistent cueing
Limitations include:
position-specific assessment
pain may reduce force production
strength alone does not determine function
Anker normative data remain limited
The assessment may be useful for:
baseline testing
progress monitoring
side-to-side comparison
athlete profiling
Measurz reporting
client education
Maximal isometric hip abduction strength in neutral.
It provides information closer to standing posture and complements testing at 45° and 90°.
Peak force.
Yes. Bilateral testing improves comparison and monitoring.
No. It measures muscle force only.
Measures maximal isometric hip abduction strength in neutral.
Complements testing at 45° and 90° hip flexion.
Peak force is the primary outcome.
Standardised positioning improves repeatability.
Compare 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.
