Prediction equation of hip external rotators maximum torque in healthy adults and older adults using the measure of hip extensors maximum torque.

BACKGROUND

The use of predictive equation of muscular torque can reduce physical effort and time spent during evaluation.

OBJECTIVES

To establish, validate, and test the accuracy of a prediction equation to estimate the hip external rotators (HER) torque in adults and older adults by means of hip extensors (HEX) torque measurement.

METHODS

Eighty-three healthy adults (development set) were assessed to test the association of HEX and HER torques and to establish the prediction equation. A separate 36 adults and 15 older adults (validation sets) were assessed to test the ability of the equation to estimate HER torque. Hip isometric strength was assessed by a handheld dynamometer.

RESULTS

Simple linear regression analysis revealed that HEX torque was associated with HER torque (r=0.80; p<0.0001), resulting in the following prediction equation: HER=-0.02+(0.58 * HEX). Paired t-test revealed no difference between directly measured and predicted values of HER torque in adults (mean difference=0.02; 95% CI=-0.115, 0.072) and older adults (mean difference=0.05; 95% CI=-0.02, 0.12).

CONCLUSION

The HEX and HER torques were strongly correlated. The prediction equation was valid, accurate, and can be used to estimate HER muscle strength in healthy adults and older adults, requiring only the direct measurement of HEX torque.