Isometric hip-rotator torque production at varying degrees of hip flexion.
BACKGROUND
Hip torque production is associated with certain knee injuries. The hip rotators change function depending on hip angle.


OBJECTIVE
To compare hip-rotator torque production between 3 angles of hip flexion, limbs, and sexes.


METHODS
Descriptive.


METHODS
University sports medicine research laboratory.


METHODS
15 men and 15 women, 19-39 y.


METHODS
Three 6-s maximal isometric contractions of the hip external and internal rotators at 10 degrees, 40 degrees, and 90 degrees of hip flexion on both legs.


METHODS
Average torque normalized to body mass.


RESULTS
Internal-rotation torque was greatest at 90 degrees of hip flexion, followed by 40 degrees of hip flexion and finally 10 degrees of hip flexion. External-rotation torque was not different based on hip flexion. The nondominant leg's external rotators were stronger than the dominant leg's, but the reverse was true for internal rotators. Finally, the men had more overall rotator torque.


CONCLUSIONS
Hip-rotation torque production varies between flexion angle, leg, and sex. Clinicians treating lower extremity problems need to be aware of these differences.
Department of Nutrition and Exercise Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
Sam
S
Johnson
Mark
M
Hoffman
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005260:Female; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D012399:Rotation; D012737:Sex Factors; D019415:Torque; D055815:Young Adult