Re-examination of hip flexion angle-torque characteristics

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Hip flexion angle-torque may not be measured accurately due to the measurement posture.

OBJECTIVE:

Maximum isometric hip flexion torque was measured while excluding the effects of postural retention function and compensatory motion.

METHODS:

Experiment 1: Maximum isometric flexion torque of the hip joint was measured at 0^∘, 30^∘, 60^∘, 90^∘, and 105^∘ in 195 participants. Experiment 2: Maximum isometric hip flexion torque of 33 participants was measured in standing and supine position at 0^∘ hip flexion and in end-sitting and supine position at 105^∘.

RESULTS:

Experiment 1: No interaction was observed between sex and hip angle, and hip flexion torque was minimum at 0^∘ hip flexion and maximum at 105^∘ hip flexion in both sexes ( $p<$ 0.01). Experiment 2: An interaction between measurement position and hip angle was observed, with maximum isometric flexion torque being greater in the supine position than in the standing position ( $p<$ 0.01). Maximum isometric hip flexion torque was greater at 105^∘ than at 0^∘ flexion ( $p<$ 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS:

Maximum isometric hip flexion torque showed greater joint angle-torque characteristics in deep flexion than in shallow flexion of the hip when excluding the effects of postural retention function and compensatory motion.