Hip extension strength measured using handheld dynamometry in a rehabilitation setting

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to describe the reproducibility and validity of measurements of hip extension strength obtained by hand-held dynamometry from patients participating in inpatient rehabilitation. METHOD: Strength measurements were obtained bilaterally from 24 women and 42 men (33-92 years) patients on admission and again the following day. The patients' ability to independently stand from a 45 cm surface and to walk 30 meters was noted. RESULTS: The relative test-retest reproducibility of the measurements was supported by intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.703 to 0.835. However, absolute reliability as indicated by minimal detectable changes, was not so good. Known-groups validity was evinced by greater hip extension strength among those able to independently complete a sit-to-stand and to walk 30 meters. CONCLUSION: Hip extension strength measurements obtained as described herein in an inpatient rehabilitation setting demonstrate good relative reproducibility and known groups validity.