Hip muscle activity in people with hip-related pain compared to asymptomatic controls: A systematic review

Background

Altered hip and thigh muscle activity have been observed across a spectrum of articular hip pathologies, including hip osteoarthritis, femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, and labral pathology. No systematic reviews have examined muscle activity associated with hip pathology and hip-related pain across the life span. A greater understanding of impairments in hip and thigh muscle activity during functional tasks may assist in the development of targeted treatment strategies.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review using the PRISMA guidelines. A literature search was performed in five databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Sports Discuss, and PsychINFO). Studies were included that (i) investigated people with hip-related pain (femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, labral tears) or hip osteoarthritis; and (ii) reported on muscle activity using electromyography of hip and thigh muscles during functional tasks such as walking, stepping, squatting, or lunging. Two independent reviewers performed data extraction and assessed risk of bias using a modified version of the Downs and Black checklist.

Results

Non-pooled data demonstrated a limited level of evidence. Overall, differences in muscle activity appeared to be more prevalent in people with more advanced hip pathology.

Conclusions

We found that impairments in muscle activity in those with intra-articular hip pathology measured using electromyography were variable but appeared to be greater in severe hip pathology (e.g., hip OA).