Measuring Hip Muscle Strength in Young People with Cerebral Palsy
Author Information
Author(s): Kate M Dyball, Nicholas F Taylor, Karen J Dodd
Primary Institution: La Trobe University
Hypothesis
Can hip extensor strength be measured reliably in young people with cerebral palsy using different testing positions?
Conclusion
The supine position is the most reliable for measuring hip extensor strength in young people with cerebral palsy.
Supporting Evidence
- The supine position showed the highest reliability for measuring hip extensor strength.
- Strength increases of more than 8% in the supine position could be considered true change.
- Using three trials for testing improved reliability compared to fewer trials.
Takeaway
This study found that lying on your back is the best way to check how strong your hip muscles are if you have cerebral palsy.
Methodology
Participants with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy were tested in three positions (supine, prone, standing) using a hand-held dynamometer across two sessions 12 weeks apart.
Limitations
The study only included young people with mild to moderate disability and a small sample size.
Participant Demographics
Nineteen participants, aged 14 to 22 years, with 9 males and 10 females.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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