Background: Hip abductor muscles play a critical role in stabilizing the pelvis during functional activities. A decline in hip abductor strength is associated with impaired balance and an increased risk of falls, particularly in elderly females who experience physiological changes and age-related muscle loss. Although limb dominance has been proposed to influence lower extremity muscle strength in young adults, no studies have yet examined differences in hip abductor strength between the dominant and non-dominant limbs in elderly females. Furthermore, the relationship between hip abductor strength and self-reported functional ability, as measured by the Korean version of the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), has not been investigated in this population. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between hip abductor strength and the Korean version of the LEFS and to compare hip abductor strength between the dominant and non-dominant limbs in elderly females. Methods: Sixty-seven elderly females were recruited from community centers. Hip abductor strength was measured using a Smart KEMA Pulling Sensor. The relationship between hip abductor strength and LEFS scores was analyzed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient, while a paired t-test was used to identify significant differences in strength between the dominant and non-dominant limbs. Results: Hip abductor strength in both the dominant limb (r = 0.355, p < 0.05) and in the non-dominant limb (r = 0.406, p < 0.05) showed a significant positive correlation with LEFS scores. No significant difference was found in hip abductor strength between the dominant and non-dominant limbs in elderly females (p > 0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that hip abductor strength should be considered an important factor influencing lower extremity functional ability, as assessed by the LEFS, in elderly females.

Background: Single-leg squat (SLS) is widely used for assessing lower extremity (LE) function. Although abnormal kinematics and foot pressure distribution (FPD) are key indicators of dysfunction, the relation between specific LE kinematic patterns and FPD during SLS remains under investigated. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the correlations among LE kinematics specifically the dynamic knee valgus angle (DKVA), knee inward distance (KID), hip outward distance (HOD) and FPD (hallux, medial, central, and lateral forefoot [FF]) during SLS. Methods: Thirty healthy participants performed SLS on their dominant leg. LE kinematics were analyzed using two-dimensional video analysis to determine DKVA, KID, and HOD. FPD was recorded using the Zebris FDM and analyzed across four regions (hallux, medial, central, and lateral parts of the FF). Pearson correlation coefficients were used to determine the relationships between LE kinematics and FPD. Results: Pearson correlation analysis revealed that hallux pressure was significant associated with the extent of KID (r = 0.547, p = 0.002). In addition, a moderate positive correlation was found between HOD and FF lateral (r = 0.406, p = 0.026), indicating that lateral pelvis displacement contributes to higher FF lateral loading. However, DKVA, which is conventionally used to assess LE kinematic variables, showed no significant association with FPD. Conclusion: This study identified significant relationship between specific kinematic variables (KID and HOD) and FPD (hallux and FF lateral), however, relationship between DKVA and FPD was not observed. Consequently, it is necessary to separately evaluate joint-specific kinematics, such as KID and HOD, to determine their distinct associations with FPD.

Background: Tensor fasciae latae (TFL) and iliotibial tract (ITB) tightness can pull the pelvis during hip lateral rotation (HLR), increasing pelvic rotation due to muscle tension. Among various tests, the HLR test in the prone position (HLRP) is a clinical evaluation tool for assessing lumbopelvic motion with lower-extremity movement. However, performing the HLRP may result in less compensatory motion and a relatively decreased pelvic rotation angle (PRA) because of a wide base of support. Moreover, there were no studies investigating PRA during an HLR test in the standing position (HLRS). Objects: This study aimed to compare the PRA in the horizontal plane during HLRS and the HLRP between individuals with and without TFL/ITB tightness. Methods: Thirty participants with (n = 15) and without (n = 15) TFL/ITB tightness as assessed by Ober’s test, were recruited. The PRA was measured during active HLRS and HLRP. Two-way mixed analysis of variance was used to identify significant differences in the PRA between groups and within positions. Results: When HLRP and HLRS were performed, the PRA in the horizontal plane occurred at 1.65° ± 0.98° and 7.68° ± 4.69°, respectively, in the TFL/ITB tightness group, and at 1.27° ± 1.07° and 2.37° ± 1.96°, respectively, in the control group. A significant interaction effect was identified between groups and positions on the PRA (p < 0.05). Individuals with TFL/ITB tightness had a significantly greater PRA during HLRS than those in the control group. The PRA during HLRS was significantly greater than that during HLRP in individuals with TFL/ITB tightness. Conclusion: These results suggest that TFL/ITB tightness contributes to increased PRA during HLRS compared with HLRP. Clinically, assessment of the PRA in the standing may provide a functional indicator of compensatory pelvic motion during hip rotation of 45°.