Comparison of Test-retest Measurement Reliability of Iliopsoas Strength between Break and Make Test in Subjects with Lumbar Extension Syndrome

Comparison of Test-retest Measurement Reliability of Iliopsoas Strength between Break and Make Test in Subjects with Lumbar Extension Syndrome

Background The strength of iliopsoas muscle is frequently measured to evaluate the performance of hip flexion in the clinical setting. However, little research into the test- retest reliability of iliopsoas muscle strength in subjects with lumbar extension syndrome (LES) in supine position has been reported. Purpose The purpose was to compare the test-retest reliability of iliopsoas strength measurement in supine position with break and make test in subjects with LES. The iliopsoas muscle is very important in the hip joint structures. The reliable measurement is essential to evaluate the performance of hip flexion. Study design Reliability study. Methods Twenty subjects were enrolled in this study. The strength of iliopsoas muscle was measured in supine position, with using a smart KEMA tensiometer system for make test, using a hand held dynamometer for break test. The intra class correlation coefficients (ICC 3, 1) were used to determine test-retest reliability of iliopsoas muscle strength. Results Test-retest reliability of iliopsoas muscle strength measurements in make test was significantly greater compared with break test (p<0.05). The value of ICC with make test was greater than make test (0.86 for make test, 0.71 for break test). Additionally, the coefficients of variation (4.5% for make test, 18.3% for break test) was better in the supine position with make test. Conclusions The measurement of iliopsoas muscle strength in make test can be more reliable than break test in subjects with LES in supine position. The make test in supine position can be recommended for reliable measurement of iliopsoas muscle in subjects with LES.