Preview
Hüseyin Akbulut, MSc (2026). Hip Abductor Strength Test: Protocol and Application. Sporeus. Retrieved, November 6, 2026. https://sporeus.com/en/egzersiz-testleri-en/hip-abductor-strength-test/
Measures: Hip abductor (gluteus medius) strength
Table of Contents
Difficulty: Easy | Category: Strength
Protocol
The Hip Abductor Strength Test measures the isometric strength of the gluteus medius and minimus. Weak hip abductors have been associated with patellofemoral pain and knee valgus.
Preparation: The participant lies on their side with the test leg on top; the lower leg is slightly bent. The test leg is straight, in neutral rotation and in line with the trunk. The hand-held dynamometer is placed on the outer thigh just above the knee; fixing it with a strap makes the measurement more reliable.
Test Procedure (Hand-Held Dynamometer): On the command ‘push your leg up’, the participant applies maximal force for about 5 seconds. Three trials are performed 30 seconds apart; the highest value is recorded. Both legs are tested.
Test Procedure (Isokinetic Dynamometer): For more detailed measurement, concentric and eccentric abductor strength can be measured on an isokinetic device at set angular velocities (e.g. 30°/s or 60°/s).
Calculation: Force (N). Moment (Nm) = force × lever arm (distance from the dynamometer to the greater trochanter). For comparison the moment is divided by body mass (Nm/kg). Left-right asymmetry is calculated.
Post-Test: Results are compared with the person’s previous measurements and with the other leg.
Formula
Moment (Nm) = force_N × lever_arm_m; asymmetry = |right − left| / larger value × 100
Equipment Required
handheld or isokinetic dynamometer, treatment table or floor
Interpretation
There is no single widely accepted normative table for this test. Results are best interpreted against the person’s previous measurements with the same protocol and equipment (and, where relevant, left-right comparison).
Practical Applications
The hip abductor strength test is used in knee and hip rehabilitation, runner injury assessment, and sports injury prevention programs.
Limitations
Hand dynamometer position sensitivity affects measurement reliability. Hip flexion angle changes force production; standardization is essential.
Related Tests: Isokinetic Dynamometry Test, Single-Leg Squat Test, Nordic Hamstring Strength Test
Sources: Thorborg K et al., 2010, Br J Sports Med; Niemuth PE et al., 2005, Clin J Sport Med
Hüseyin Akbulut is the founder of Sporeus and author of THRESHOLD (EŞİK), a 540-page Turkish-language book on endurance science.
- 540pp THRESHOLD Book
- MSc Sport Sciences
- Marmara University
Protocol The Hip Abductor Strength Test measures the isometric strength of the gluteus medius and minimus. Weak hip abductors have been associated with patellofemoral pain and knee valgus. Preparation: The participant lies on their side with the test leg on top; the lower leg is slightly bent. The test leg is straight, in neutral rotation and in line with the trunk. The hand-held dynamometer is placed on the outer thigh just above the knee; fixing it with a strap makes the measurement more reliable. Test Procedure (Hand-Held Dynamometer): On the command 'push your leg up', the participant applies maximal force for about 5 seconds. Three trials are performed 30 seconds apart; the highest value is recorded. Both legs are tested. Test Procedure (Isokinetic Dynamometer): For more detailed measurement, concentric and eccentric abductor strength can be measured on an isokinetic device at set angular velocities (e.g. 30°/s or 60°/s). Calculation: Force (N). Moment (Nm) = force × lever arm (distance from the dynamometer to the greater trochanter). For comparison the moment is divided by body mass (Nm/kg). Left-right asymmetry is calculated. Post-Test: Results are compared with the person's previous measurements and with the other leg. Formula
Moment (Nm) = force_N × lever_arm_m; asymmetry = |right − left| / larger value × 100
Equipment Required
handheld or isokinetic dynamometer, treatment table or floor
Interpretation
There is no single widely accepted normative table for this test. Results are best interpreted against the person's previous measurements with the same protocol and equipment (and, where relevant, left-right comparison).
