Comparison of the Hip Flexor Strength in Subjects with and without Femoral Anterior Glide Type according to Manual Fixation of Femoral Head during Active Straight Leg Raise

Background Hip flexor strength is important for functional movements such as active straight leg raise (ASLR) and walking. However, little research has been reported comparing hip flexor strength in subjects with and without femoral anterior glide type (FAGT) according to manual fixation of femoral head during ASLR. Purpose We compare the manual fixation effects of femoral head anterior glide on hip flexor strength during ASLR in subjects with and without FAGT. Study design A parallel-groups design. Methods A total of 30 subjects (15 with FAGT, 15 without FAGT) were participated. Each group was classified through the Kinetic Exercise based on Movement Analysis approach for FAGT. The strength of hip flexor muscles was measured during ASLR with and without femoral anterior glide fixation. The therapist’s manual provided the fixation of the femoral head during ASLR. The two-way mixed analysis of variance was applied to identify significant differences between groups (with vs. without FAGT: between factor) and conditions (with vs. without a manual fixation: within factor). The level of statistical significance was at α=0.05. Results In subjects with FAGT, the strength of the hip flexor was smaller during ASLR with manual fixation compared to without manual fixation (p=0.014). In subjects without FAGT, there were no significant differences in the strength of the hip flexor in the presence or absence of a manual fixation (p=0.064). Conclusions The findings reported that a manual fixation of femoral head anterior glide during ASLR may contribute to the strength difference of hip flexor in subjects with and without FAGT. Therefore, it is important to consider FAGT during ASLR in the clinical evaluation of hip flexor strength.