The Hip Abduction Strength Test measures how much force a client can produce when moving the thigh away from the midline against resistance. It is commonly used to assess hip abductor force output in a controlled isometric setup.

Hip abduction strength can provide useful context for walking, running, single-leg stance, jumping, landing, cutting, change of direction, pelvis control, lower-limb alignment and progress tracking. The main contributors include gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, tensor fasciae latae, upper fibres of gluteus maximus and trunk or pelvis stabilisers that help control body position.

The Muscle Meter is a handheld dynamometry tool used to measure force output during push, pull and isometric strength assessments. When used on its own, the Muscle Meter primarily measures peak force, which is the highest force value produced during the test. When used with Measurz, Muscle Meter data can be recorded and analysed with a broader set of strength and force-time metrics, including peak force, impulse, torque, rate of torque development, rate of force development, time to peak and fatigue index.

For routine hip abduction testing, peak force is usually the main metric. Force as a percentage of body weight may be useful if directly calculated from the client’s test force and body weight, especially for baseline comparison, side-to-side comparison and retesting. Rate of force development and time to peak may be useful when rapid pelvis control, cutting, landing or sport-specific force production matters. Impulse may be useful if sustained hip abduction force over a defined time window is intentionally tested. Fatigue index is only relevant if repeated or sustained hip abduction efforts are part of the protocol.

The result can support assessment reasoning and progress tracking, but it does not diagnose hip pathology, gluteal tendon injury, pelvis control problems, running mechanics, knee pain, back pain or readiness for sport or work on its own.

What Is the Hip Abduction Strength Test?

The Hip Abduction Strength Test is an isometric lower-limb strength assessment where the client pushes the thigh outward into the Muscle Meter, strap or fixed setup without visible hip movement. The device is usually placed against the lateral thigh, commonly near the distal thigh or above the knee depending on the chosen protocol.

The movement direction is hip abduction. The purpose of the test is to measure how much outward force the client can produce through the hip in a specific position.

Consistent setup matters because pelvis position, trunk position, hip angle, knee angle, device placement, strap angle, limb position and client effort can all affect the result. This test measures force output in a specific setup. It does not fully measure running ability, balance, landing quality, gait, endurance, power, movement control or sport/work readiness on its own.

Step-by-Step Protocol / Practice

1. Prepare the client

Explain that the test measures how strongly they can push the leg outward into the Muscle Meter. Record baseline symptoms, hip discomfort, lateral thigh discomfort, groin symptoms, lower-back symptoms, fatigue, recent activity, training load and confidence with maximal effort.

Use at least one submaximal practice trial so the client understands the direction of force and learns to push without trunk or pelvis compensation.

2. Set the client position

A common setup is side-lying, supine or standing depending on the available equipment and the professional question. Side-lying is commonly used for a unilateral push test. Supine or standing setups may also be used with straps or fixed anchors.

Record:

• Side-lying, supine, standing or other position
• Test side
• Hip angle
• Knee angle
• Pelvis position
• Trunk position
• Foot position
• Device contact point
• Whether a strap or fixed anchor was used

For side-lying testing, the pelvis should remain stacked and stable. For supine or standing testing, the pelvis and trunk should be controlled so the client does not roll, lean or rotate to create force.

3. Set up the device or straps

For a handheld setup, the professional holds the Muscle Meter against the lateral thigh while the client pushes outward. For stronger clients or improved repeatability, a strap-stabilised or fixed setup may be used.

If using a strap, record:

• Anchor point
• Strap angle
• Strap length
• Device position
• Limb position
• Whether any pre-tension was used
• Whether the anchor moved during testing

Push, pull, handheld and strap-stabilised scores should be recorded separately unless the protocol supports direct comparison.

4. Place the device, strap or handle

Place the Muscle Meter against the lateral thigh, commonly near the distal thigh above the knee. Use the same contact point at retest. Avoid uncomfortable pressure over bony or sensitive areas.

The force direction should be hip abduction. The client should push the thigh outward into the device without rotating the pelvis or rolling the trunk.

5. Stabilise the position

Stabilise the pelvis and trunk so the client does not compensate with lumbar side-bending, trunk rotation, hip flexion, hip extension, pelvic rolling or pushing through the opposite leg.

The aim is controlled hip abduction force in the chosen position.

6. Give clear instructions

Use consistent instructions such as:

“Push your leg outward into the device as hard as you can and hold.”
“Build up smoothly, then push hard.”
“Keep your pelvis and trunk still.”
“Do not roll your body or twist your hip.”
“Keep breathing.”
“Tell me if you feel pain, cramping, tingling or anything unusual.”

Use the same wording at retest where possible.

7. Record trials

Use 1–2 practice trials, then record 2–3 maximal trials. A common contraction duration is 3–5 seconds. Rest for 30–60 seconds between trials, or longer if symptoms, fatigue or cramping occur.

Record whether the final score uses the best trial or the average of recorded trials. Either approach may be used if it is applied consistently.

8. Identify invalid trials

Repeat or mark a trial as invalid if:

• The pelvis rolls or lifts
• The trunk leans or rotates
• The hip flexes or extends during the effort
• The knee angle changes
• The device slips
• The strap or anchor moves
• The client pushes through the opposite leg
• Pain or cramping limits effort
• The client starts before the device is ready
• The client holds their breath excessively
• The professional cannot hold the device steady

9. Record symptoms

Record hip pain, lateral hip discomfort, groin symptoms, lower-back symptoms, cramping, paraesthesia, confidence, apprehension and symptom response after testing. Do not repeatedly test through high pain, worsening symptoms or strong cramping.

For retesting, match the same position, device placement, strap setup, instructions, contraction duration, rest period, scoring method and symptom recording.

Why It Is Used

The Hip Abduction Strength Test is used to quantify hip abductor force output in a repeatable setup. It may be useful for:

• Baseline lower-limb strength assessment
• Side-to-side comparison
• Monitoring change over time
• Hip and pelvis strength profiling
• Comparing abduction with adduction where relevant
• Supporting gait, running, jumping and landing assessment reasoning
• Workplace context where walking, stairs, ladders, lifting or prolonged standing are relevant
• Fitness and performance progress tracking
• Client education

The test should support assessment reasoning. It should not be used as a stand-alone diagnostic or clearance measure.

What It Measures

The test primarily measures isometric hip abduction force output in the chosen setup. It reflects the client’s ability to produce outward thigh force through the hip abductors while controlling pelvis and trunk position.

It may provide useful information about:

• Hip abduction force capacity
• Side-to-side force difference
• Abduction-to-adduction comparison
• Confidence producing lateral hip force
• Pain response during resisted hip abduction
• Change in force over time
• Relationship between strength and related movement tasks

It does not directly measure:

• Cause of hip, knee or back pain
• Gluteal tendon integrity
• Pelvis control during running
• Landing quality
• Dynamic balance
• Gait quality
• Endurance
• Readiness to return to sport or work

Understanding the Result, Reference Values and What to Look For

What a higher or lower result may suggest

A higher score may suggest greater hip abduction force output in that specific test setup. A lower score may suggest reduced hip abduction force output, but the reason should be interpreted carefully.

Lower force may be influenced by pain, apprehension, poor familiarisation, fatigue, guarding, inconsistent device placement, poor pelvis stabilisation, reduced confidence, lower-back symptoms or compensation from the trunk or opposite limb.

One result should not be interpreted in isolation. Interpretation is strongest when the same setup is repeated over time and reviewed alongside symptoms, confidence, hip range of motion, adduction strength, single-leg balance, gait, running exposure, jumping or work-specific tasks.

What can influence the result

Important influences include:

• Pain
• Apprehension
• Poor familiarisation
• Fatigue
• Guarding
• Poor pelvis or trunk stabilisation
• Pelvis rolling
• Trunk leaning
• Different hip angle
• Different knee angle
• Different device placement
• Different strap angle
• Opposite-leg contribution
• Breath holding
• Client confidence
• Professional strength if using handheld resistance

Normative, reference and comparative values

Published Muscle Meter-specific universal norms for hip abduction are limited. Reference values should therefore be used as context only and not as direct targets unless the protocol is closely matched.

More user-friendly comparison data include:

• In a sample of 52 women aged 20–29 years, hip abductor force measured with handheld dynamometry was reported at approximately 16.85% of body weight, with a reported range of about 16.03–17.66% body weight. This means a 70 kg person in a similar setup would produce roughly 11–12 kg of force, but this should only be used as broad context unless the protocol is closely matched.
• In a long-lever bilateral hip abduction press study, healthy adults recorded hip abduction press values around 156 N during intra-tester testing. In practical terms, this is roughly similar to 16 kg of force.
• In the same study’s inter-tester sample, hip abduction press values were around 179–190 N, or roughly 18–19 kg of force. This sample included healthy young males and used a specific long-lever press setup, so it should not be treated as a universal Muscle Meter target.
• The same study reported good reliability for maximal hip abduction press testing, with intra-tester reliability around ICC 0.97 and inter-tester reliability around ICC 0.91 for peak force. This supports the value of a consistent protocol and familiarisation.
• For side-to-side comparison, a difference of around 10% or more is often worth reviewing more closely in strength testing, especially if it matches symptoms, previous injury, confidence changes or functional differences. This is not a strict pass/fail cut-off.
• If force is recorded as a percentage of body weight in Measurz, use it mainly for the client’s own baseline, side-to-side comparison and retesting. Bodyweight percentage is useful only when calculated from the client’s actual test force and body weight.

These values are best used as comparison data. They can help provide context, but they should not be used as diagnostic, clearance or pass/fail cut-offs.

Practical interpretation priorities

Use this order:

1. Compare with the client’s own baseline.
2. Compare right and left sides when relevant.
3. Compare hip abduction and adduction where relevant.
4. Review force relative to body weight where calculated.
5. Consider symptoms during and after testing.
6. Consider confidence and effort quality.
7. Review whether compensations were present.
8. Compare with related strength, mobility or performance tests.
9. Relate the result to walking, running, jumping, sport, work or daily-life demands.
10. Retest under the same conditions to monitor change.
11. Do not use reference values as pass/fail criteria.

What to look at for each relevant Muscle Meter metric

Peak force
Use for maximum hip abduction force output, baseline strength, side-to-side comparison, progress tracking and comparing force across retests. Look for best score or average score, consistent setup, side-to-side difference, change from baseline, pain response and compensation during maximal effort.

Force as percentage of body weight
Use when calculated directly from test force and body weight. It may help compare the client’s result to their own baseline, the opposite side and body size. Do not treat it as a universal target unless the comparison data use a closely matched protocol.

Torque
Use only when the lever arm is measured and a more biomechanical interpretation is needed. It can help when limb length or device placement changes the raw force reading. It should not be used as normative data unless the reference data match the setup closely.

Rate of force development
Use when rapid hip abduction force matters, such as cutting, landing, running or change of direction. Look for early force production and whether rate of force development changes while peak force stays similar.

Time to peak
Use to understand whether force is produced quickly or gradually. Look for delayed peak force, faster time to peak across retests, and whether a slower time reflects caution, pain, poor cueing or an actual performance difference.

Impulse
Use only if a defined sustained force window is intentionally tested. Look for whether the client can sustain hip abduction force briefly and whether impulse improves while peak force stays similar.

Fatigue index
Use only if repeated or sustained hip abduction efforts are part of the protocol. Look for drop-off across repeated trials, symptom-related fatigue and whether fatigue improves across a training block.

Assessing and Providing Context for Different Client Populations

Youth clients
Consider growth, maturation, coordination, attention, training age and familiarisation. Practice trials are important because maximal hip abduction effort can be difficult to coordinate without pelvis movement.

Adults and general fitness clients
Use the test for baseline lower-limb strength, progress tracking and confidence with loading. Compare results with single-leg balance, hip mobility, lower-limb strength and general exercise goals.

Older adults
Consider balance, transfers, walking confidence, stairs, fatigue, rest periods and function. A lower score may provide useful context, but it should not be interpreted without functional assessment.

Athletes and sport clients
Consider running, cutting, landing, jumping, change of direction and sport-specific pelvis control. Peak force alone does not equal sport performance, but it can support a broader lower-limb strength profile.

Workplace and manual task clients
Consider stairs, ladders, carrying, prolonged standing, uneven ground, walking distance and footwear demands. Do not use one score to clear work duties.

Clients returning after injury
Use the test to monitor force output, confidence and symptom response. Strength alone should not confirm readiness.

Clients with pain or persistent symptoms
Pain, fear, guarding, fatigue, apprehension and confidence may reduce force. Record symptom response carefully and compare with related tests.

Higher body mass clients
Absolute force and force relative to body mass may both be useful. Interpret results in relation to goals, symptoms and functional demands, not assumptions about body size.

Reliability, Validity and Measurement Considerations

Repeatability improves when the same setup is used each time. Record and standardise:

• Same test position
• Same pelvis position
• Same trunk position
• Same hip angle
• Same knee angle
• Same device placement
• Same strap setup, if used
• Same anchor height and distance, if straps are used
• Same strap angle, if straps are used
• Same stabilisation
• Same instructions
• Same contraction duration
• Same rest period
• Same scoring method
• Same symptom and compensation recording

Hip abduction strength testing is highly setup-dependent. Small changes in pelvis position, device contact point or limb angle can change the score. For stronger clients, handheld resistance may be limited by professional strength. Strap-stabilised or fixed setups can improve repeatability.

Common Errors and Limitations

Common errors include:

• Pelvis rolling
• Trunk leaning
• Hip flexion or extension compensation
• Opposite-leg pushing
• Device placement changing between trials
• Strap or anchor movement
• Breath holding
• Testing through high pain or cramping
• Comparing different protocols directly
• Treating the score as a diagnosis

Limitations include:

• Testing is setup-dependent
• Manual resistance may be limited by professional strength
• Muscle Meter-specific universal norms may be limited
• Published hip abduction norms vary by device, position and population
• Pain, fear or guarding can reduce force output
• Peak force does not measure endurance or movement quality
• Strong symmetry does not automatically indicate readiness for sport or work

Practical Applications

The Hip Abduction Strength Test may be useful for:

• Baseline hip strength assessment
• Side-to-side comparison
• Monitoring response to exercise or intervention
• Comparing abduction with adduction where relevant
• Supporting walking, running, jumping and landing assessment reasoning
• Comparing with balance, hip mobility, trunk control and functional tasks
• Sport and workplace strength profiling
• Client education
• Fitness and performance progress tracking

Ideas to Make the Result Better

If force is low on both sides, consider assessing hip range of motion, adduction strength, single-leg balance, trunk control, gait, recent workload and confidence with loading.

If one side is much lower, compare with symptoms, injury history, adduction strength, hip mobility, single-leg tasks, running exposure and work or sport demands.

If pain or cramping limits the result, record symptom location and review whether device placement, test position or effort level needs modification.

If force is good but function is limited, compare with gait, single-leg squat, hopping, landing, running tolerance, workload and task exposure.

If the client is improving, keep the same test setup and monitor whether force, symptoms, confidence and function improve together.

Recommended Standard Protocol Summary

Position: Side-lying, supine or standing, with pelvis and trunk controlled
Start position: Hip and knee position recorded
Joint or trunk angle: Record hip, knee, pelvis and trunk position
Trials: 1–2 practice trials, then 2–3 recorded trials
Contraction duration: 3–5 seconds
Rest: 30–60 seconds between efforts
Metric: Peak force, plus percentage of body weight if directly calculated
Attachment or device setup: Muscle Meter against lateral thigh, with consistent contact point; strap-stabilised if used
Final score: Best trial or average of trials
Key retesting requirement: Same body position, pelvis control, hip angle, device placement, instructions, contraction duration, rest and scoring method

FAQs

What does the Hip Abduction Strength Test measure?

It measures isometric hip abduction force output in a specific test setup.

Which muscles contribute to hip abduction?

The main contributors include gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, tensor fasciae latae and other hip or trunk stabilisers that help control pelvis position.

Should the result be recorded as percentage of body weight?

It can be if you calculate it directly from test force and body weight. This is useful for internal comparison, especially when tracking change over time.

Are there universal hip abduction norms for the Muscle Meter?

Published universal Muscle Meter norms for this exact protocol appear limited. Baseline, side-to-side comparison and repeated testing are usually more useful.

What numerical values are available for comparison?

Published examples include hip abduction values around 16.85% body weight in young women and long-lever hip abduction press values around 156–190 N in healthy adult samples. These are not direct Muscle Meter targets unless the protocol is closely matched.

Can this test diagnose gluteal weakness or hip pathology?

No. It can measure force output, but it does not diagnose a condition or explain symptoms on its own.

What can make the result unreliable?

Pelvis rolling, trunk leaning, different hip angles, device slipping, poor stabilisation, pain, fatigue and inconsistent instructions can affect results.

What should be recorded in Measurz?

Record side, body position, hip angle, knee angle, device placement, peak force, percentage bodyweight if calculated, symptoms, compensations, confidence, scoring method and related findings.

Key Takeaways

• The Hip Abduction Strength Test measures isometric hip abduction force output.
• Peak force is usually the main routine Muscle Meter metric.
• Published comparison examples include about 16.85% body weight and 156–190 N, but protocols vary.
• Percentage of body weight should only be used when calculated directly from force and body weight.
• Baseline comparison, side-to-side comparison and retesting consistency are usually more useful than broad norms.
• Reference values provide context, not diagnostic or clearance cut-offs.
• Measurz should capture setup, symptoms, bodyweight-normalised values where calculated, compensations and retesting conditions.

References

Ishøi, L., Thorborg, K., Krohn, L., Andersen, L. L., Nielsen, A. M., & Clausen, M. B. (2023). Maximal and explosive muscle strength during hip adduction squeeze and hip abduction press test using a handheld dynamometer: An intra- and inter-tester reliability study. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 18(4), 905–916. https://doi.org/10.26603/001c.83259

Santos, T. R. T., Oliveira, B. A., Ocarino, J. M., Holt, K. G., & Fonseca, S. T. (2019). Effectiveness of hip muscle strengthening in patellofemoral pain syndrome patients: A systematic review. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, 19(3), 167–176. https://doi.org/10.1590/bjpt-rbf.2014.0089

Souza, R. B., & Powers, C. M. (2009). Differences in hip kinematics, muscle strength, and muscle activation between subjects with and without patellofemoral pain. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 39(1), 12–19. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2009.2885

World Physiotherapy. (2019). Normative values for isometric hip muscle force assessed by hand-held dynamometry. World Physiotherapy Congress Proceedings.