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.

What Is the Hip Abduction Strength Test?

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.

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 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.

2. Position the client

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.

3. Position the testing limb

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.

4. Stabilise the client

Prevent movement of:

• pelvis
• trunk
• opposite thigh
• lumbar spine

The movement should occur only as an isometric hip abduction effort.

5. Testing instructions

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.

6. Record the assessment

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.

7. Repeat the trial if

• 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

Why It Is Used

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.

What It Measures

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

Understanding the Result, Reference Values and What to Look For

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.

Assessing Different Client Populations

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 and Limitations

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

Practical Applications

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

FAQs

What does the Hip Abduction Strength Test measure?

It measures maximal isometric hip abduction strength with the hip flexed to 90°.

Why assess hip abduction at different hip angles?

Changing the hip angle alters muscle length and mechanical advantage, providing additional information about hip abductor function across different positions.

Which metric should be used routinely?

Peak force is the primary outcome measure for routine assessment.

Should both hips be assessed?

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

Can this assessment diagnose gluteal tendinopathy?

No. It measures muscle force only and should be interpreted alongside symptoms, clinical assessment and other physical tests.

Key Takeaways

• 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.

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.