Becky Heinert, Thomas W. Kernozek, John Greany, Dennis C.W. Fater

The aim of this study is to determine if females with weak hip abductors, run with increased knee abduction during the stance phase of gait. 15 females with weak hip abductors and 15 females with strong abductors were analysed during treadmill running.

The results showed that those with weak hip abductors demonstrated increased knee abduction during running. No other differences in motion were found between the groups.

Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 17(3), August 2008

Linda R. Van Dillen, Nancy J. Bloom, Sara P. Gombatto, Thomas M. Susco

The aim of this study was to examine whether passive hip rotation is altered in people with low back pain (LBP) who regularly participate in sports that require repeated rotation of the trunk and hips. Two groups, totaling 48 subjects (24 in each), were used. Group 1 reported episodes of low back pain and group 2 did not. Participants in both groups were involved in sports involving a rotational element. Degrees of hip rotation range of motion were measured and compared between left and right and between subjects. Subjects in the low back pain group demonstrated significantly less total rotation and less symmetry from left to right. Left total hip rotation was reduced more than right total hip rotation in the LBP group. There were no differences between left and right for the pain-free group. Results suggest that the rotational elements of some sports and activities may be an important factor in the rehabilitation of participants in such sports, presenting with lower back pain.

Physical Therapy in Sport, Volume 9, Issue 2, Pages 55-106