Abstract
Introduction Decreased hip muscle strength and poor patient-reported outcomes are common in patient with longstanding hip and groin pain. However, the association between hip muscle strength and patient-reported outcomes is less known. The aim the study was to investigate the association between hip muscle strength and hip-specific patient-reported outcomes in patients with longstanding hip and groin pain.
Materials and Methods Seventy-two patients were recruited from an orthopaedic department. Isometric hip muscle strength was measured with a handheld dynamometer in adduction and extension. Patient reported outcomes was measured with Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS). Linear regression examined the association between hip muscle strength and each HAGOS subscale. The regression models were adjusted for sex, age, BMI, and activity level.
Results Greater isometric hip muscle strength in adduction was associated with better HAGOS score in the subscales; pain, and activity in daily life (B=12.4–12.5, p≤0.037) but not for the subscales; symptoms, physical function in sports, participation, and quality of life (QOL) (B=-0.5–9.7, p≥0.154). Greater isometric hip muscle strength in extension was associated with better HAGOS score for the subscales; symptoms, pain, and activity in daily life (B=7.2–12.3, p ≤0.034), but not for the subscales; physical function in sports, participation, or QOL (B=5.2–6.6, p ≥0.084).
Conclusions Greater isometric hip muscle strength seems to be associated with better patients-reported symptoms, pain, and physical activity in daily life. The result of this study highlights the importance of considering hip strength in the rehabilitation of patients with longstanding hip and groin pain.