From the Guidelines
The hip abduction test, also known as the hip up test, is used to assess muscle strength in patients with hip-related pain, and clinicians should use objective methods to measure muscle strength in the assessment and management of hip-related pain. The purpose of this test is to evaluate the strength of the hip abductors, which is essential in the assessment and management of hip-related pain 1. When performing the hip abduction test, it is crucial to consider potential intratester and intertester differences, and instrument measurement error 1. Some key points to consider when using the hip abduction test include:
- Using objective methods to measure muscle strength
- Considering potential intratester and intertester differences
- Using a handheld dynamometer for isometric or eccentric testing
- Using external fixation for isometric testing to minimize systematic error 1. In clinical practice, the hip abduction test can be a helpful tool in evaluating patients with hip-related pain, particularly when used in conjunction with other assessment methods 1.
From the Research
Hip Abduction Test Purpose
The hip abduction test, also known as the hip up test, is used to assess the strength and function of the hip abductors.
- The test is commonly used in clinical settings to evaluate patients with hip-related conditions, such as hip osteoarthritis 2 and femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) 3, 4.
- The hip abduction test can help identify muscle weakness and reduced joint range of motion, which are associated with symptom severity in people with hip pain 3, 5.
- The test is also used to predict physical function outcomes in older adults with chronic low back pain, with hip abduction strength being a significant predictor of physical function decline 6.
- In patients with FAIS, the hip abduction test can help identify impaired lower extremity biomechanics, hip external rotation muscle weakness, and proximal femoral morphology, which can predict impaired single-leg squat performance 4.