Isometric strength of hip abductors
The hip abductors will be tested with the participant in
supine with both hips in neutral abduction and rotation.
A hand held dynamometer will be used to record force,
in Newtons, generated during hip abduction as per the
method described previously [33]. The hand-held dynamometer
(HHD) will be placed 5 cm proximal to the lateral
femoral condyle. Stabilization of the HHD will be
achieved by wrapping a seatbelt around the HHD and
securing it to a rail on the adjacent wall at plinth height.
The participants will perform a maximal voluntary isometric
contraction (MVC) by abducting their limb against the
dynamometer and seatbelt, held for 5 seconds. The highest
of three consecutive measures will be recorded as the
MVC. This method of testing hip abductor strength was
reliable and valid in a sample of patients similar to those
intended for the current study [33]. The seatbelt will be
used to resist hip abductor strength, as this method is less
susceptible to the individual strength of the therapist