DOI: 10.1177/02692155241236600 ISSN: 0269-2155

Reliability and validity of the medial standing overhead arm reach (SOAR) test as a measure of functional hip adduction motion

Jason Grimes, Justin Wager, Casey DiZinno, Thomas Fogarty, Eric Hund, Brendan Rooney, Taylor Roy, Jon Goldfarb, Paul Bauer
  • Rehabilitation
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Objective

The Posterior Standing Overhead Arm Reach (SOAR) test has been previously reported as a reliable clinical measure of closed chain hip extension motion. The proposed Medial SOAR test expands on that testing approach to provide a similar measure of functional hip adduction motion. This was a preliminary intrarater and interrater reliability and validity study of the Medial SOAR test as a measure of functional hip adduction.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

University motion analysis laboratory.

Participants

Fifty hips were assessed in 25 (22 female) asymptomatic participants (mean age = 23.4 years, SD = 0.8).

Main measures

Maximum hip adduction during the Medial SOAR test was measured with a standard goniometer independently by two examiners. The test was also performed using three-dimensional motion capture. The intrarater and interrater reliability of the goniometric measure was determined using intraclass correlation coefficients, and the relationship between measures obtained via goniometry and three-dimensional motion capture was assessed with Pearson correlations and Bland–Altman analysis.

Results

Intrarater reliability (ICC2,3) was 0.88 (95% CI = 0.80–0.92) for Examiner 1 and 0.87 (95% CI = 0.79–0.92) for Examiner 2. The standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change were less than 3.0°. Interrater reliability demonstrated an intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.62 (95% CI = 0.28–0.79). Pearson correlations were significant with low-to-moderate associations (r = 0.49, P < 0.001; r = 0.24, P = 0.045).

Conclusions

Similar to the previously reported Posterior SOAR test, the Medial SOAR test demonstrated acceptable intrarater and interrater reliability, along with low-to-moderate associations with three-dimensional motion capture. The Medial SOAR test has the potential to provide a reliable and accurate assessment of closed chain hip adduction.

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