The Hip Abduction Strength Test measures the maximum isometric force produced during hip abduction with the hip positioned at approximately 45° of flexion. Using the Anker, the assessment provides an objective and repeatable measure of hip abductor strength in a standardised mid-range position.

Assessing hip abduction at 45° complements testing performed at 0° and 90° of hip flexion, as muscle recruitment and mechanical advantage change throughout the range of motion. This assessment is useful for baseline strength profiling, side-to-side comparison and monitoring changes over time.

The primary muscles assessed include the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus and tensor fasciae latae, with assistance from the upper fibres of gluteus maximus depending on the individual's hip position and anatomy. These muscles contribute to pelvic stability, frontal plane control, single-leg support, walking, running, jumping and change-of-direction activities.

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.

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 is positioned at approximately 45° of flexion.

The 45° position places the hip abductors in a different mechanical position compared with neutral or 90° hip flexion. Assessing multiple positions may help identify position-specific strength deficits and provide a more complete lower-limb strength profile.

The fixed resistance of the Anker allows the assessment to be reproduced consistently when client positioning, hip angle, anatomical landmarks and verbal instructions remain unchanged.

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 their pelvis and trunk still.

Record any:

• lateral hip pain
• groin pain
• buttock pain
• lower back pain
• recent injury
• previous surgery
• stiffness
• neurological symptoms
• fatigue

Complete one or two submaximal familiarisation contractions before maximal testing.

2. Position the client

Position the client according to the Anker setup, maintaining:

• hip flexed to approximately 45°
• knee comfortably flexed if required by the setup
• pelvis level
• trunk supported
• opposite limb positioned symmetrically
• testing limb relaxed before the contraction

Maintain the same setup during every reassessment.

3. Position the testing limb

Ensure:

• the pelvis remains square
• the femur is aligned with the hip joint
• the patella faces forwards
• the knee remains aligned with the thigh

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 or lateral femoral epicondyle.

Using the distal femur creates a consistent lever arm and improves repeatability between testing sessions.

4. Stabilise the client

Prevent movement of:

• pelvis
• trunk
• lumbar spine
• opposite limb
• testing thigh position

The effort should come from the hip abductors rather than trunk lean or pelvic rotation.

5. Testing instructions

Use consistent verbal cues.

"Push your leg away from the middle."

"Build the pressure gradually."

"Push as hard as you can."

"Hold."

"Keep breathing."

Repeat the same instructions during every reassessment.

6. Record the assessment

Use:

• 1–2 familiarisation trials
• 2–3 maximal trials
• 3–5 second contraction
• 30–60 seconds rest between trials

Record either:

• the highest force value, or
• the average of the recorded trials

Use the same scoring method during future assessments.

7. Repeat the trial if

• the pelvis rotates
• the trunk leans
• the testing thigh lifts
• the opposite limb assists
• the hip angle changes
• the load cell slips
• pain limits maximal effort
• the client begins before instructed

Why It Is Used

The Hip Abduction Strength Test may be useful for:

• establishing baseline hip strength
• comparing left and right limbs
• monitoring strength across different hip positions
• lower-limb strength profiling
• athlete performance assessment
• monitoring response to exercise
• objective progress tracking using Measurz
• educating clients about measurable progress

The assessment contributes to a comprehensive physical assessment and should not be used as a stand-alone diagnostic or return-to-sport test.

What It Measures

The primary outcome is peak isometric hip abduction force with the hip positioned at approximately 45° of flexion.

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 pathology
• movement quality
• balance
• gait mechanics
• readiness for sport or work

Understanding the Result, Reference Values and What to Look For

Higher force values generally indicate greater hip abductor strength in the tested position.

Lower force values may reflect:

• pain
• fatigue
• previous injury
• reduced confidence
• inconsistent positioning
• poor familiarisation
• movement compensation

Interpret results by considering:

• previous assessment results
• left versus right differences
• symptoms during testing
• movement compensations
• sport, occupational and daily-life demands

Published Anker-specific normative values are currently unavailable.

Hip abduction strength has been widely investigated using handheld dynamometry, with studies demonstrating excellent reliability when testing position, stabilisation and lever arm are standardised. Because protocols vary between studies, baseline measurements, side-to-side comparison and repeated testing using the same setup are generally more meaningful than comparing absolute values with external reference data.

A side-to-side difference of approximately 10% or greater may warrant further investigation, particularly when associated with symptoms, previous injury or reduced functional performance.

Assessing Different Client Populations

Youth

Use additional familiarisation trials and interpret findings relative to growth, coordination and physical development.

Adults

Useful for baseline assessment, strength profiling and monitoring changes over time.

Older adults

Interpret alongside walking ability, balance, transfers and functional independence.

Athletes

Particularly useful for sports requiring single-leg stability, sprinting, jumping, cutting, landing and rapid changes of direction.

Clients with persistent symptoms

Interpret alongside pain, confidence, movement quality and functional capacity rather than muscle strength alone.

Common Errors and Limitations

Common errors include:

• pelvic rotation
• trunk leaning
• lifting the testing thigh
• changing the hip angle during testing
• 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
• hip abduction assessments performed at different angles should be interpreted independently

Practical Applications

The assessment may be useful for:

• establishing baseline hip abductor strength
• monitoring changes over time
• comparing left and right limbs
• assessing strength across multiple hip positions
• athlete monitoring
• objective reporting using Measurz
• educating clients using measurable outcomes

FAQs

What does the Hip Abduction Strength Test measure?

It measures maximal isometric hip abduction strength with the hip positioned at approximately 45° of flexion.

Why assess hip abduction at 45°?

Testing at 45° provides a mid-range assessment that complements testing performed at 0° and 90°, helping identify position-specific differences in force production.

Can the results be compared directly with testing performed at other hip angles?

No. Hip angle influences muscle length, mechanical advantage and force production, so each position should be interpreted independently.

Which metric should be used routinely?

Peak force is the primary outcome measure for routine assessment.

Should both hips be assessed?

Yes. Bilateral assessment provides meaningful side-to-side comparison and improves progress monitoring.

Can this assessment diagnose gluteal pathology?

No. It measures muscle force only and should always be interpreted alongside symptoms and other assessment findings.

Key Takeaways

• Measures maximal isometric hip abduction strength with the hip positioned at approximately 45°.
• Complements hip abduction testing performed at 0° and 90°.
• Primarily assesses the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus and tensor fasciae latae.
• Peak force is the primary routine outcome measure.
• Consistent positioning, load cell placement and cueing improve repeatability.
• Baseline comparison, side-to-side comparison and repeated testing are generally more valuable than broad population norms.

References

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.