Influence of the Hip Flexion Angle on Isokinetic Hip Rotator Torque and Acceleration Time of the Hip Rotator Muscles

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to verify the influence of the hip flexion angle on isokinetic rotator torque and acceleration times of the hip medial and lateral rotator muscles. Twenty-one healthy women were included in this study. The hip rotator function was evaluated at 3 different hip flexion angles (10°, 40°, and 90°). The results showed that both eccentric and concentric hip lateral rotator torques were greater at 40° of hip flexion when compared with 90°. Moreover, both the eccentric and concentric hip medial rotator torques were greater at 90° of hip flexion than at 40° and 10°, and greater at 40° than at 10°. In addition, both the eccentric and concentric hip medial to lateral rotator torque ratios were greater at 90° of hip flexion than at 40° and 10°, and greater at 40° than at 10°. Finally, the acceleration times of the hip medial rotator muscles were smaller at 90° of hip flexion than at 10° and smaller at 40° than at 10°. The current results highlight the importance of evaluating the hip rotator muscles at different hip flexion angles to comprehensively assess their functions.