The Effect of a Hip-Strengthening Program on Mechanics During Running and During a Single-Leg Squat

Abstract

Study Design Block randomized controlled trial. Objectives To investigate whether a strengthening and movement education program, targeting the hip abductors and hip external rotators, alters hip mechanics during running and during a single-leg squat. Background Abnormal movement patterns during running and single-leg squatting have been associated with a number of running-related injuries in females. Therapeutic interventions for these aberrant movement patterns typically include hip strengthening. While these strengthening programs have been shown to improve symptoms, it is unknown if the underlying mechanics during functional movements is altered. Methods Twenty healthy females with excessive hip adduction during running, as determined by instrumented gait analysis, were recruited. The runners were matched by age and running distance, and randomized to either a training group or a control group. The training group completed a hip strengthening and movement education program 3 times per week for 6 weeks in addition to single-leg squat training with neuromuscular reeducation consisting of mirror and verbal feedback on proper mechanics. The control group did not receive an intervention but maintained the current running distance. Using a handheld dynamometer and standard motion capture procedures, hip strength and running and single-leg squat mechanics were compared before and after the strengthening and movement education program. Results While hip abductor and external rotation strength increased significantly (P<.005) in the training group, there were no significant changes in hip or knee mechanics during running. However, during the single-leg squat, hip adduction, hip internal rotation, and contralateral pelvic drop all decreased significantly (P = .006, P = .006, and P = .02, respectively). The control group exhibited no changes in hip strength, nor in the single-leg squat or running mechanics at the conclusion of the 6-week study. Conclusion A training program that included hip strengthening and movement training specific to single-leg squatting did not alter running mechanics but did improve single-leg squat mechanics. These results suggest that hip strengthening and movement training, when not specific to running, do not alter abnormal running mechanics. Level of Evidence Therapy, level 2b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(9):625–632, Epub 12 July 2011. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3470

The Effects of Isolated Hip Abductor and External Rotator Muscle Strengthening on Pain, Health Status, and Hip Strength in Females With Patellofemoral Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…However, care must be taken in attributing changes in patellofemoral symptoms to improved hip kinematics after strengthening in isolation, as recent research suggests that changes in hip kinematics may be more related to skill acquisition (skilled practice) as opposed to improvements in hip strength. 34 There are several limitations of our study, acknowledged as follows. First, our study sample consisted of a relatively small, homogenous group of subjects (females with chronic bilateral symptoms).…”

Common Running Overuse Injuries and Prevention

“…In contrast, Grau, Krauss, Maiwald, Best, and Horstmann (2008) found no diff erence in either abduction or adduction strength comparing runners with ITB syndrome with controls. A trial by Willy and Davis (2011) may support this. Th eir hip-strengthening intervention signifi cantly increased hip abduction and external rotation strength but did not correct the excessive hip adduction during the stance (all the participants in the study were exhibiting increased hip adduction prior to intervention).…”

Quality Assurance Study on (Physio)therapy According To the Spiraldynamik® Concept for Treating Patients with Knee Complaints

“…Muscle weakness in the external rotators and abductors of the hip may be related to the pronounced hip adduction and internal rotation during the weight-bearing phase [14]. Focused training of external rotators and abductors of the hip may reduce the pain -however, there is no effect on the movement patterns during running [12,16].…”

“…Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a disorder which often affects runners [12]. In patients suffering from PFPS, conspicuous coordination patterns can be measured during the weight-bearing phase, e.g.…”