Measurement properties of clinical tests for assessing individuals with hip-related pain: A systematic review based on the Consensus-based Standards for selection of health Measurement instrument guidelines.

Abstract

To conduct a systematic review to evaluate the measurement properties of clinical tests reportedly used in the assessment of patients with hip-related pain. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, SportDiscus, Web of Science, and Scopus. Searches covered all records available up to 31 July 2024 and were updated on 1 July 2025. Studies assessing at least one measurement property (e.g., reliability, measurement error, 3responsiveness, convergent validity, or discriminative validity) of functional, strength, or range of motion (ROM) tests in individuals diagnosed with hip-related pain were included. Data were extracted from the included studies using a custom data extraction form The COSMIN risk of bias checklist was used to assess the risk of bias, and certainty of evidence was assessed by the modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Data extraction, risk of bias and certainty of evidence assessment were performed independently by two authors. Thirteen studies exploring measurement properties of 39 clinical measures used in the assessment of 637 individuals with hip-related pain were included. Single-leg squat and step-down tests demonstrated sufficient reliability and discriminative validity. Muscle strength assessments using hand-held dynamometry (HHD) and isokinetic dynamometry had sufficient reliability and convergent validity, respectively. Active hip flexion ROM test demonstrated sufficient convergent and discriminative validity. Evaluating movement quality during single-leg squat and step-down tasks, HHD and isokinetic hip muscle strength, and active hip flexion ROM is recommended in people with hip-related pain, with findings mostly reliable and demonstrating sufficient convergent and discriminative validity. More studies are needed to make stronger recommendations on which clinical tests should be used for the assessment of individuals with hip-related pain.