New Manual Test for Hip Abductor Extensibility

This pilot study aims to evaluate the precision and accuracy of a new manual test for assessing hip abductor extensibility. The iliotibial band (ITB) and hip abductor muscles play a crucial role in lower limb biomechanics, and their flexibility is commonly assessed using the Ober test. However, the Ober test has limitations, including excessive pelvic movement and reliance on qualitative evaluation. This study introduces and validates a novel manual test designed to improve the accuracy and reliability of hip abductor extensibility assessment. The primary objective is to determine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the new test, measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The secondary objective is to compare the test's accuracy against an inertial motion sensor system and to quantify pelvic movement during the new test. To provide a comparative measure of pelvic motion, a subgroup of participants will also undergo the modified Ober test. Forty healthy participants (20 males and 20 females) aged 18 to 30 years will be recruited. Each participant will undergo the new test, performed by two independent raters. A subset of participants will also be evaluated using the modified Ober test to assess differences in pelvic movement. Inertial sensors will be used to measure hip adduction angles and pelvic motion. Statistical analyses will include ICC calculations for reliability and paired t-tests to compare pelvic movement between the tests. This study aims to establish a more precise and objective method for evaluating hip abductor extensibility, which may enhance clinical assessment and management of conditions associated with iliotibial band tension.