Testing the Hip Abductor Muscle Strength of Older Persons Using a Handheld Dynamometer.

Objective: To investigate the reliability of a clinically applicable method of dynamometry to assess and monitor hip abductor muscle strength in older persons.

Design: Bilateral isometric hip abductor muscle strength measured with a handheld dynamometer, patients supine with the contralateral hip positioned directly against a wall for stabilization. Reliability determined by comparing intra-assessor and inter-assessor results and comparison to a criterion standard (stabilized dynamometer with patients in the standing position).