Strength Isometric Test: HipSIT Test

The HipSIT Test, or Hip Stability Isometric Test, measures posterolateral hip force output in a combined hip position. It is commonly used to assess the hip abductors, external rotators and extensors in a controlled isometric setup. This can provide useful context for running, jumping, cutting, squatting, landing, lower-limb control, sport preparation and progress tracking.

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

For routine HipSIT 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 hip force production matters, such as sprinting, cutting, landing or change-of-direction tasks. Impulse is only useful when a defined force-time window is intentionally tested. Fatigue index is only relevant if repeated or sustained HipSIT contractions are part of the protocol.

The result can support assessment reasoning and progress tracking, but it does not diagnose hip pain, knee pain, pelvic control problems, running injury risk, ACL injury risk or readiness for sport or work on its own.

What Is the HipSIT Test?

The HipSIT Test is an isometric force assessment of the posterolateral hip musculature. The client is positioned so the hip muscles work in a combined position rather than as one isolated movement.

The test is designed to challenge hip abduction, external rotation and extension contribution. This makes it useful when professionals want a practical hip strength measure that may be more functionally relevant than testing hip abduction alone.

The Muscle Meter is positioned so the client pushes into the device without visible movement. The aim is to measure force output in a repeatable test position.

Consistent setup matters because hip angle, knee position, device placement, stabilisation, strap setup, body position and client effort can all affect the result. This test measures force output in a specific setup. It does not fully measure running mechanics, landing control, balance, sport performance, movement quality or injury risk on its own.

Step-by-Step Protocol / Practice

1. Prepare the client

Explain that the test measures how strongly they can push through the hip into the Muscle Meter in a controlled position.

Record baseline symptoms, hip stiffness, knee symptoms, low back symptoms, fatigue, recent training and confidence with the test.

Use at least one submaximal practice trial so the client understands the effort and position.

2. Set the client position

Use the HipSIT position selected for your protocol and repeat it exactly at retest.

Record:

• body position
• hip angle
• knee angle
• trunk position
• foot position
• side tested
• whether the opposite limb is supported
• whether shoes are worn

3. Set up the Muscle Meter

Place the Muscle Meter at the agreed contact point for the HipSIT setup.

For improved repeatability, use a strap-stabilised or fixed setup where possible. If the professional holds the device manually, record this because handheld scores may be influenced by professional strength and stability.

4. Place the device or strap

Position the device so the client pushes in the intended HipSIT direction without sliding, twisting or compressing an uncomfortable bony area.

Record device placement clearly so it can be repeated.

5. Stabilise the position

Stabilise the pelvis, trunk and limb position so the client does not compensate with trunk rotation, pelvic movement, lumbar extension, knee movement or foot pushing.

6. Give clear instructions

Use consistent instructions such as:

“Push into the device as hard as you can and hold.”

“Build up smoothly, then push hard.”

“Keep your pelvis and trunk still.”

“Keep breathing.”

“Tell me if you feel pain, cramping or anything unusual.”

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, cramping or fatigue occur.

Record whether the final score uses the best trial or average of recorded trials.

8. Identify invalid trials

Repeat or mark a trial as invalid if:

• the device slips
• the strap or anchor moves
• the trunk rotates
• the pelvis lifts or shifts
• the knee or foot position changes
• the client pushes through the wrong contact point
• pain limits effort
• the client starts before the device is ready
• the professional cannot hold the device steady

9. Record symptoms

Record pain, cramping, hip discomfort, knee symptoms, low back symptoms, confidence and apprehension.

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

Why It Is Used

The HipSIT Test is used to quantify posterolateral hip force output in a repeatable setup.

It may be useful for:

• baseline hip strength assessment
• side-to-side comparison
• monitoring change over time
• tracking lower-limb strength after reduced loading
• assessing hip force contribution in running and landing contexts
• strength profiling for field sport, court sport, gym and running clients
• workplace or daily function context where hip control matters
• client education
• comparing hip strength with balance, hop testing, gait, running analysis or lower-limb performance

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 posterolateral hip force in the chosen setup.

It may provide useful information about:

• hip abductor force contribution
• hip external rotator force contribution
• hip extensor force contribution
• side-to-side force difference
• confidence producing hip force
• pain response during resisted hip loading
• change in force over time
• relationship between hip strength and related functional tasks

It does not directly measure:

• isolated gluteus medius strength
• isolated gluteus maximus strength
• isolated hip external rotation strength
• hip range of motion
• running gait quality
• landing mechanics
• balance
• injury risk
• 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 posterolateral hip force output in that specific setup. A lower score may suggest reduced force output, but the reason should be interpreted carefully.

Lower force may be influenced by pain, apprehension, poor familiarisation, fatigue, previous injury, guarding, poor stabilisation, inconsistent device placement or reduced confidence.

One result should not be interpreted in isolation. Interpretation is strongest when the same setup is repeated over time and reviewed alongside symptoms, confidence, movement quality, related tests and functional goals.

What can influence the result

Important influences include:

• pain
• apprehension
• poor familiarisation
• fatigue
• guarding
• hip angle
• knee angle
• trunk position
• pelvis movement
• device placement
• strap angle
• footwear
• professional strength if handheld
• client confidence

Normative, reference and comparative values

Published HipSIT reference values exist in some specific populations, including athletic and CrossFit-related cohorts, but they should be used only when the protocol and population match closely.

For routine Measurz use, the most useful comparisons are:

• the client’s own baseline
• right versus left comparison
• change across retests
• pain or symptom response
• confidence during testing
• relationship to related strength and performance tests
• bodyweight-normalised force if directly calculated

A side-to-side 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 should not be used as a strict pass/fail rule.

Reference values provide context, not diagnostic or clearance cut-offs.

Practical interpretation priorities

Use this order:

• compare with the client’s own baseline
• compare right and left sides when relevant
• consider symptoms during and after testing
• consider confidence and effort quality
• review whether compensations were present
• compare with related strength, mobility or performance tests
• relate the result to running, sport, gym, work or daily-life demands
• retest under the same conditions to monitor change
• do not use reference values as pass/fail criteria

What to Look at for Each Relevant Muscle Meter Metric

Peak force

Use for maximum HipSIT 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 only when calculated directly from test force and body weight.

Look for changes over time and side-to-side differences. Do not treat it as a universal target unless the comparison data use the same method.

Torque

Use only when lever arm is measured and a more biomechanical interpretation is needed.

Torque may help when contact point or limb length 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 force production matters, such as sprinting, cutting, landing, acceleration or reactive lower-limb tasks.

Look for early force production and whether RFD 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 sustained force window is intentionally tested.

Look for whether the client can sustain force briefly and whether impulse improves while peak force stays similar.

Fatigue index

Use only if repeated or sustained HipSIT contractions 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 young clients may improve quickly once they understand the task.

Adults and general fitness clients

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

Older adults

Consider balance, transfers, walking confidence, 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 sprinting, cutting, jumping, landing and repeated change-of-direction demands. Peak force alone does not equal sport performance, but it can support a broader lower-limb strength profile.

Workplace and manual task clients

Consider walking surfaces, stairs, lifting, carrying, prolonged standing and repeated squatting or stepping. Do not use one strength score to clear work duties.

Clients returning after injury

Use the test to monitor force output, confidence and symptom response over time. Strength alone should not confirm readiness.

Clients with pain or persistent symptoms

Pain, fear, guarding, fatigue, apprehension and confidence may influence force. Record symptoms carefully and compare with related findings.

Higher body mass clients

Absolute force and force relative to body mass may both be useful. Avoid assumptions and interpret the result in relation to goals, symptoms and function.

Reliability, Validity and Measurement Considerations

Repeatability improves when the same setup is used each time.

Record and standardise:

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

Published HipSIT research supports its use as a practical assessment of posterolateral hip muscle performance, but protocol consistency remains essential.

Handheld dynamometry and strap-stabilised strength testing can be reliable when protocols are standardised. However, manual resistance can be limited by professional strength, especially with stronger clients. Strap-stabilised or fixed setups can improve consistency when available.

Common Errors and Limitations

Common errors include:

• inconsistent device placement
• changing hip or knee position
• allowing trunk rotation
• allowing pelvis movement
• poor stabilisation
• device slipping
• strap or anchor movement
• breath holding
• testing through high pain
• comparing different protocols directly
• treating the score as a diagnosis

Limitations include:

• testing is setup-dependent
• manual resistance may be limited by professional strength
• strap setup requires careful anchor control
• Muscle Meter-specific universal norms may be limited
• pain, fear or guarding can reduce force output
• peak force does not measure endurance or movement quality
• side-to-side symmetry does not automatically mean function is ready for sport or work

Practical Applications

The HipSIT Test may be useful for:

• establishing a baseline
• tracking posterolateral hip strength over time
• comparing right and left sides
• reviewing force relative to body weight if directly calculated
• monitoring response to exercise or intervention
• supporting running, jumping and change-of-direction reasoning
• comparing with hip abduction strength, hip external rotation strength and lower-limb performance
• educating the client about measurable progress
• reviewing sport, work or daily-life demands

Ideas to Make the Result Better

If force is low on both sides, consider assessing hip ROM, lower-limb strength, balance, squat capacity, gait, running mechanics and confidence with loading.

If one side is much lower, compare with symptoms, injury history, hip mobility, knee symptoms, single-leg balance, hop testing and functional tasks.

If pain limits the result, record the pain response and review whether the test position, pressure point or effort level needs modification.

If force is good but function is limited, compare with gait, running, hopping, change-of-direction, balance and sport or work demands.

If the client is improving, keep the same protocol and monitor whether strength, symptoms, confidence and function improve together.

Recommended Standard Protocol Summary

Position: Standardised HipSIT position
Start position: Hip, knee, trunk and pelvis position recorded
Joint or trunk angle: Record hip angle, knee angle 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 only if directly calculated
Attachment or device setup: Muscle Meter placed at the agreed contact point; strap-stabilised if used
Final score: Best trial or average of trials
Key retesting requirement: Same position, device placement, instructions, contraction duration, rest and scoring method

FAQs

What does the HipSIT Test measure?

It measures isometric posterolateral hip force output in a specific HipSIT setup.

Is it the same as hip abduction strength testing?

No. HipSIT uses a combined position and should not be treated as identical to isolated hip abduction testing.

Should the result be recorded as percentage of body weight?

It can be if calculated directly from test force and body weight. Use it for baseline and side-to-side comparison rather than as a universal target.

Are there universal HipSIT norms for the Muscle Meter?

Published HipSIT reference values exist for some populations, but universal Muscle Meter norms for every setup are limited. Use matched data only when the protocol and population are comparable.

Can this test diagnose hip or knee pain?

No. It can measure hip force output, but it does not diagnose the cause of symptoms on its own.

Why does device placement matter?

Small changes in device placement can change the force reading. Record the placement and repeat it at retest.

What can make the result unreliable?

Different device placement, hip position, stabilisation, fatigue, pain, compensation and inconsistent instructions can affect results.

What should be recorded in Measurz?

Record side, position, device placement, peak force, percentage of body weight if directly calculated, symptoms, compensations, confidence, scoring method and related findings.

Key Takeaways

• The HipSIT Test measures isometric posterolateral hip force output.
• Peak force is usually the main routine Muscle Meter metric.
• 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 directly calculated, compensations and retesting conditions.

References

Baldon, R. de M., Piva, S. R., Scattone Silva, R., Serrão, F. V., & Serrão, F. V. (2017). Reliability and validity of the Hip Stability Isometric Test. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 47(12), 906–913.

Santos, T. R. T., et al. (2024). Hip Stability Isometric Test (HipSIT): Concurrent validity and reference values for CrossFit participants. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy.

Silva, R. S., Nakagawa, T. H., Ferreira, A. L. G., Garcia, L. C., Santos, J. E. M., & Serrão, F. V. (2020). Concurrent validation and reference values of gluteus medius clinical test. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 15(1), 75–83.

Thorborg, K., Petersen, J., Magnusson, S. P., & Hölmich, P. (2010). Clinical assessment of hip strength using a handheld dynamometer is reliable. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 20(3), 493–501.