Hip Abduction
Definition
The movement of the leg away from the midline in the frontal plane. Normal hip abduction range is approximately 40-50 degrees. Produced primarily by the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae. Hip abduction strength is critical for single-leg stance stability and gait.
Clinical Significance
Hip abduction weakness is one of the most common and consequential findings in lower extremity assessment. Insufficient abductor strength produces a positive Trendelenburg sign, hip drop during gait, compensatory trunk lean, and increased knee valgus during single-leg activities. It is implicated in IT band syndrome, patellofemoral pain, and ACL injury risk. Abduction strength testing is a higher-value finding than abduction ROM in most clinical contexts.
How AKMI Assesses This
AKMI assesses hip abduction ROM and strength bilaterally. ROM is measured in side-lying. Functional abduction strength is assessed through single-leg stance stability and the Trendelenburg test. Bilateral comparison identifies the weaker side. Correlated with hip drop and knee valgus data.
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A biomechanical assessment measures hip abduction and its relationship to the rest of your structural chain. 18 tests, objective data, personalized programming.