Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2014
Abstract
Study Design
Cross-sectional laboratory study.
Objectives
To compare peak lower-limb, pelvis, and trunk kinematics and interjoint and intersegmental coordination in women with strong and weak hip muscle performance.
Background
Persons with lower extremity musculoskeletal disorders often demonstrate a combination of weak hip musculature and altered kinematics during weight-bearing dynamic tasks. However, the association between hip strength and kinematics independent of pathology or pain is unclear.
Methods
Peak hip extensor and abductor torques were measured in 150 healthy young women. Of these, 10 fit the criteria for the strong group and 9 for the weak group, representing those with the strongest and weakest hip musculature, respectively, of the 150 screened individuals. Kinematics of the hip, knee, pelvis, and trunk were measured during the stance phases of walking and rate-controlled hopping. Hip/knee and pelvis/trunk coordination were calculated using the vector coding technique.
Results
There were no group differences in peak hip, knee, or pelvis kinematics. Participants in the weak group demonstrated greater trunk lateral bend toward the stance limb during hopping (P = .002, effect size [d] = 1.88). In the transverse plane, those in the weak group utilized less inphase coordination between the hip and the knee during walking (P = .036, d = 1.45) and more antiphase coordination between the hip and knee during hopping (P = .03, d = 1.47).
Conclusion
In the absence of pain or pathology, poor hip muscle performance does not affect peak hip or knee joint kinematics in young women, but is associated with significantly different lower-limb and trunk/pelvis coordination during weight-bearing dynamic tasks.
Recommended Citation
Armour Smith J, Popovich JM Jr, Kulig K. The influence of hip strength on lower limb, pelvis and trunk kinematics during walking and hopping in healthy women. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy. 2014; 44 (7): 525-531.
DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2014.5028
Peer Reviewed
1
Copyright
Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy 2014. For personal use only. No other uses without permission. All rights reserved.
Comments
This is a pre-copy-editing, author-produced PDF of an article accepted for publication in Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, volume 44, issue 7, in 2014 following peer review. The definitive publisher-authenticated version is available online at DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2014.5028