Validity of the sideways bench test as a simple tool for assessment of hip abduction muscle strength

Abstract

The present study examined whether sideways bench training can serve as a simple method for assessing hip abduction muscle strength. In Study 1, which was conducted in 124 high school to adult basketball players, we examined hip abduction torque relative to body mass (HAT/BM) and the number of sideways bench position repetitions performed in 30 seconds (SB test) as well as the relationship between the two measurements. In Study 2, which was conducted in13 male university students, we measured the relationship between gluteus medius activity and HAT/BM during the SB test using a surface electromyogram. Consequently, we observed a significant positive correlation between HAT/BM and SB test repetitions (r=0.71, P＜0.05; research 1), as well as a significant negative correlation between HAT/BM and gluteus medius activity during the SB test (r=­0.70, P＜0.01; research 2). These results indicate that the SB test may be used as a simple assessment of hip abduction muscle strength.