Movements of the Hip Joint

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By Alex
Last updated on

Extension:

Definition: Straightening the hip joint by moving the thigh and/or torso posteriorly (backward).
Image:
Muscles
Involved:
Exercises:

Flexion:

Definition: Bending the hip joint by moving the thigh and/or torso anteriorly (forward).
Image:
Muscles
Involved:
Exercises:
  • Sit up
  • Leg raise

Abduction:

Definition: Moving the thigh laterally (outward), away from the sagittal plane (midline).
Image:
Muscles
Involved:
Exercises:
  • Hip abduction machine
  • Cable hip abduction
  • Side lying hip abduction

Adduction:

Definition: Moving the thigh medially (inward), toward the sagittal plane (midline).
Image:
Muscles
Involved:
Exercises:
  • Hip adduction machine
  • Cable hip adduction
  • Side lying hip adduction

External Rotation (Lateral Rotation):

Definition: Rotating the thigh laterally (outward), away from the sagittal plane (midline).
Image:
Muscles
Involved:
*WORK ON ORDER*

  • Gluteus maximus
  • Gluteus medius (posterior fibers)
  • Psoas major
  • Iliacus
  • Sartorius
  • Piriformis
  • Gemellus superior
  • Gemellus inferior
  • Obturator muscles
  • Obturator internus
  • Obturator externus
  • Quadratus femoris
  • Biceps femoris (long head) (in knee flexion?)
Exercises:
  • Band-resisted clamshell
  • Seated external hip rotation

Internal Rotation (Medial Rotation):

Definition: Rotating the thigh medially (inward), toward from the sagittal plane (midline).
Image:
Muscles
Involved:
Exercises:
Alex from King of the Gym
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