HIP JOINT RANGE OF MOTION MEASUREMENTS IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

In the present study, measurements of hip joint range of motion in adults with no medical problems were aimed. Measurements were carried out in 40 female and 40 male subjects 17-22 years of age, by using an electronic inclinometer in 14 different positions of the hip joint, for both extremities, during abduction and adduction (four different positions each), flexion and extension (two different positions each), internal and external rotation. According to measurement findings, there were no statistically significant differences between average abduction and adduction range of motions among extremities (p>0.05). In the second position, where the knee and the hip were at flexion, abduction range of motion was found to be 10° higher compared with the other positions (p<0.05), for both genders. Hip flexion-extension, and internal-external rotation measurement score differences were not detected to be statistically significant (p>0.05) among genders and extremities. According to these results, with the exception of the second position for abduction, ranges of motion for all positions were in line with the data compiled by the AAOS. Knee and hip extension at the second position tends to decrease muscle tone, and loosen the joint capsule and ligaments, causing the pelvis to become destabilized. These factors may explain the abduction difference observed. In conclusion, the range of motion figures obtained may serve in the preparation of a standard in the Turkish population, and give directions in the rehabilitation of hip joint injuries.