Hip Rotation Movement Assessment
Introduction
The Hip Rotation Movement Assessment evaluates the range of motion and control of the hip joint during internal and external rotation. This assessment helps identify limitations, asymmetries, or imbalances that may affect movement efficiency, performance, and injury risk.
Purpose and Functionality
Proper hip rotation is essential for mobility, balance, and force transfer throughout the lower body. Limited or asymmetric hip rotation can lead to compensations in the knees or lower back, reducing performance and increasing injury potential. This assessment helps isolate which rotational direction — internal or external — may be restricted or weak.
What It Evaluates
Internal Rotation: Measures the hip’s ability to rotate inward toward the body’s midline. Adequate internal rotation is vital for gait mechanics, squatting, and rotational control during athletic and functional activities.
External Rotation: Measures the hip’s ability to rotate outward away from the body’s midline. Proper external rotation supports stability, agility, and balance during directional changes and athletic movements.
Hip Internal Rotation Component
Internal rotation of the hip is crucial for maintaining proper lower body alignment and stability. It supports efficient gait mechanics and balanced movement patterns during walking, running, or squatting. Limited internal rotation can lead to compensatory patterns in the pelvis or knees, increasing injury risk and reducing mobility.
Internal rotation is measured by the angular deviation of the lower leg relative to a perpendicular reference line when rotating inward. Angles greater than 40° score 100%, less than 20° score 0%, and intermediate values are scaled linearly.
Scoring:
Hip External Rotation Component
External rotation is vital for hip stability and efficient movement during activities that involve turning, twisting, or lateral motion. Adequate external rotation supports posture and alignment while reducing compensations that may stress the lower back or knees.
External rotation is measured by the angular deviation of the lower leg relative to a perpendicular reference line when rotating outward. Angles greater than 50° score 100%, less than 30° score 0%, and intermediate values are scaled linearly.
