Anker: Hip Abduction Strength Test – 0° Hip Flexion

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.

What Is the Hip Abduction Strength Test?

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.

Step-by-Step Protocol

1. Prepare the client

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.

2. Position the client

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.

3. Position the testing limb

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.

4. Stabilise the client

Prevent movement of:

• pelvis

• trunk

• lumbar spine

• opposite limb

The effort should come from the hip abductors rather than pelvic movement.

5. Testing instructions

Use consistent verbal instructions.

"Push your leg away from the middle."

"Build the pressure gradually."

"Push as hard as you can."

"Hold."

"Keep breathing."

6. Record the assessment

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.

7. Repeat the trial if

• pelvis rotates

• trunk leans

• opposite limb assists

• hip angle changes

• load cell slips

• pain limits effort

• the client starts before instructed

Why It Is Used

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

What It Measures

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

Understanding the Result, Reference Values and What to Look For

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.

Assessing Different Client Populations

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 and Limitations

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

Practical Applications

The assessment may be useful for:

• baseline testing

• progress monitoring

• side-to-side comparison

• athlete profiling

• Measurz reporting

• client education

FAQs

What does this assessment measure?

Maximal isometric hip abduction strength in neutral.

Why assess hip abduction in neutral?

It provides information closer to standing posture and complements testing at 45° and 90°.

Which metric should be used routinely?

Peak force.

Should both hips be assessed?

Yes. Bilateral testing improves comparison and monitoring.

Can this diagnose hip pathology?

No. It measures muscle force only.

Key Takeaways

• 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.

References

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.