Seated hip abduction isometric is a simple strengthening exercise that targets the muscles on the outside of the hips, particularly the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus. These muscles play an important role in pelvic stability, balance, walking, and controlling leg alignment during daily activities. This exercise is often prescribed to improve hip strength and stability while minimising joint movement, making it suitable when movement is painful or needs to be limited.
- Sit upright in a chair with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent.
- Place a firm elastic strap, belt, or your hands around the outside of your knees to provide resistance.
- Maintain an upright posture and gently engage your abdominal muscles.
- Press both knees outwards against the resistance without allowing any visible movement to occur.
- Continue breathing normally throughout the contraction.
- Hold the contraction while maintaining steady pressure and good posture.
- Hold as prescribed by your physiotherapist.