Performance, measurement properties and discriminant analysis of functional tests for women with greater trochanter pain syndrome

Introduction: Functional tests are used to establish the functional capacity of women with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS). However, the validity, reliability, or possibility of discriminating this dysfunction have not been established.

Objectives: To compare functional capacity, establish the properties of functional test measurements, and present the best test to discriminate between women with and without GTPS.

Methods: A total of 46 women were evaluated (23 with GTPS/23 asymptomatic). On the first day, two evaluators analyzed the muscle strength of the quadriceps and lateral hip complex and performance in the 30-s sit to stand test (STS30), stair ascent test (SAT), stair descent test (SDT), and Timed Up and Go test (TUG). On the second day, evaluator 1 repeated the assessment. The results were established by the intraclass correlation coefficient, Spearman's correlation test, and discriminant analysis.

Results: The GTPS group showed worse results in the VISA-G (P < 0.001), SAT (P = 0.009), SDT (P = 0.033), and TUG (P = 0.039). Intra-evaluator reliability ranged from moderate to excellent and inter-examiner reliability from good to excellent in this sample. Validity could not be established. Only SAT and TUG tests differentiated the participants with GDTS from the asymptomatic group.

Conclusion: Women with GTPS present worse functional capacity compared to asymptomatic women. The functional tests used were reliable, but not valid. The SAT and TUG, when used for functional performance diagnosis, were able to discriminate between individuals with GTPS and asymptomatic group over 40 years of age.