To define the relative hip extensor muscle strengths values identified by the 4 grades obtained with a supine manual muscle test (MMT) and to compare these values with those indicated by the traditional prone test.
Comparison of 4 manual supine strength grades with isometric hip extension joint torque; kappa statistic-determined interrater reliability, and analyses of variance identified between grade differences in torque.
Pathokinesiology laboratory.
Adult volunteers recruited from local community and outpatient clinics. Reliability testing: 16 adults with postpolio (31 limbs). Validity testing (2 groups): 18 subjects without pathology (18 limbs), and 26 people with clinical signs of hip extensor weakness (51 limbs).
Not applicable.
Supine hip extensor manual muscle grade and isometric hip extension torque.
Reliability testing showed excellent agreement (82%). Subjects with pathology had significant differences in mean torque (P<.01) for the assigned grade 5 (176 Nm), grade 4 (103 Nm), grade 3 (67 Nm), and grade 2 (19 Nm). Healthy adults showed significant differences between grade 5 (212 Nm) and grade 4 (120 Nm) in mean torque (P<.05).
The supine MMT is a reliable and valid method with which to assess hip extension strength.