Hip Orthopaedic Test: Hip Leg Lowering Test

The Hip Leg Lowering Test is a physical assessment used to evaluate the flexibility and strength of the hip flexors and lower abdominal muscles. It helps in determining the flexibility and strength imbalances between these muscle groups.

Here's how to perform the Hip Leg Lowering Test:

Procedure:

1. Preparation: Lie down on your back on a flat surface, such as a mat or the floor. Keep your legs extended and your arms by your sides.

2. Starting Position: Tighten your abdominal muscles and press your lower back against the floor to engage your core muscles. This helps stabilize your pelvis during the test.

3. Execution: Raise both legs (keeping them straight) off the ground, so they are perpendicular to the floor. You may keep your hands under your lower back to support it if needed.

4. Test Movement: Slowly lower one leg towards the floor while keeping it straight. Lower it as far as you can without allowing your lower back to lift off the ground or the opposite leg to move. The goal is to lower the leg as close to the floor as possible without touching it.

5. Return to Starting Position: Bring the leg back to the starting position (legs perpendicular to the floor).

6. Repeat: Perform the same movement with the other leg.

Scoring:

• Excellent: Able to lower leg(s) to the floor without compensatory movements and without arching the lower back.
• Good: Lowering leg(s) close to the floor but with slight compensation or minimal arching of the lower back.
• Fair: Lowering leg(s) with noticeable compensation or significant arching of the lower back.
• Poor: Unable to lower leg(s) close to the floor without excessive compensation or arching of the lower back.

This test assesses the control and strength of the lower abdominals and hip flexors. It's important to perform it slowly and with control to accurately assess the flexibility and strength balance between the muscles involved. If there's any discomfort or pain during the test, it's advisable to stop and consult with a healthcare professional or fitness expert.

Always warm up before attempting this test to prevent any strain or injury.

References:

1. Krause, David A., et al. "Abdominal muscle performance as measured by the double leg-lowering test." Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation 86.7 (2005): 1345-1348.
2. Zannotti, Chad M., et al. "Kinematics of the double-leg-lowering test for abdominal muscle strength." Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy 32.9 (2002): 432-436.
3. Rathod, Sheshna Rameshchandra, Neeta J. Vyas, and Dinesh Mohanbhai Sorani. "Relationship between double leg lowering test and core strength test of the lumbar spine in normal healthy individuals." Journal of Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences 26.1 (2021): 23-27.