The association between hip adductor and extensor strength, and hip-related patient-reported outcomes in patients with longstanding hip and groin pain: An exploratory cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the association between hip muscle strength and hip-related patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients with longstanding hip and groin pain (LHGP).

Design: Cross-sectional design.

Setting: Orthopedic care.

Participants: Eighty-one patients with LHGP were consecutively recruited.

Main outcome measures: Hip muscle strength was measured in adduction and extension. Hip-related PROMs was measured with the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) which includes six subscales (Symptoms, Pain, Activity in Daily Living (ADL), Physical Function in Sports and Recreation (Sport/Rec), Participation in Physical Activities (PA), and Quality of Life (QoL). Linear regression examined the association between hip muscle strength and each HAGOS subscale.

Results: Greater isometric hip muscle strength in adduction was associated with better HAGOS score for Pain and ADL (p ≤ 0.037), but not for Symptoms, Sport/Rec, PA, or QoL (p ≥ 0.154). Greater isometric hip muscle strength in extension was associated with better HAGOS score for Symptoms, Pain, and ADL (p ≤ 0.034), but not for Sport/Rec, PA, or QoL (p ≥ 0.084).

Conclusions: In patients with LHGP, greater isometric hip muscle strength seems to be associated with less symptoms and pain, and better function in ADL. No association was found for Sport/Rec, PA, or QoL.

Keywords: Groin; Hip; Muscle strength; Pain; Patient-reported outcome measures.