The Development and Validation of a Functional Assessment Tool for the Hip in the Athletic Population

OBJECTIVES: There are no validated functional assessments designed specifically to evaluate the performance and function of the athletic hip. There are subsections of validated outcomes that address recreation, but a full assessment dedicated to athletic hip function does not exist. Current hip scoring systems may not be sensitive to subtle changes in performance and function in an athletic, younger population. The scoring system developed in this study will be valid, reliable, and responsive in the evaluation of hip function in the athlete. METHODS: Based on the results of a pilot questionnaire administered to 18 athletic individuals, a final 10-item questionnaire was developed. Two hundred and fifty healthy, competitive athletes from multiple sports completed the final questionnaire, as well as 3 established hip outcome assessments. Each athlete was self-assigned into injury categories including: (1) playing without hip/groin trouble, (2) playing, but with hip/groin trouble, and (3) not playing due to hip/groin trouble. Correlations between the scores and differences between injury categories were measured. Responsiveness testing was performed in an additional group of 24 injured athletes, comparing their scores before and after an intervention. RESULTS: The new score showed high correlation with the modified Harris Hip Score, the non-arthritic hip score, and the International Hip Outcome Tool-33 (i-hot 33). The new score stratified athletes by injury category and demonstrated responsiveness, accuracy and varied appropriately with improvements in injury category after treatment of injuries. CONCLUSION: The new Athletic Hip Score is valid, reliable and responsive for evaluation of the hip in an athletic population. The results support its use for the functional assessment of the hip in future studies.