Hip ROM Guide

Hip Extension Range of Motion Measurement Guide

HipExtensionSagittal planeCustom in appUpdated 2026-09-27

Measurement Snapshot

MovementExtension
PlaneSagittal plane
Primary MusclesGluteus maximus, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus

There is no single value that establishes normality for every person or method. Record the setup and compare measurements in clinical context.

Hip extension ROM is relevant to gait, hip flexor length, and lumbopelvic workflows. Combine it with hip flexor length testing rather than reading the single value alone.

Standardized Setup

Patient Position
Place the patient prone with the pelvis flat and the measured knee extended, or use a stabilized standing position when prone lying is not tolerated.
Stabilization
Stabilize the pelvis to prevent anterior pelvic tilt and lumbar extension from substituting for hip extension.
Landmarks
Use the greater trochanter as the axis, the lateral trunk as the stationary reference, and the lateral femur toward the lateral epicondyle as the moving reference.

Step-by-Step Measurement

  1. Calibrate the neutral prone start with the thigh flat.
  2. Lift the extended leg posteriorly while the pelvis stays stabilized.
  3. Stop at the first pelvic tilt or lumbar extension, or at the true hip end range.
  4. Record the value with knee position and active or passive status.

Common Measurement Errors

  • Anterior pelvic tilt that makes hip extension look larger than it is.
  • Lumbar extension recruited to lift the leg higher.
  • Bending the knee, which shifts the test toward rectus femoris length.

Custom Cobb Angle Pro Workflow

The app does not provide a named protocol for this movement. Use Custom as the body part, choose the movement, and apply your own clinical measurement method.

  1. In Range of Motion, choose Custom as the body part, then Extension as the movement. The app does not provide a named Hip Extension protocol.
  2. Choose Photo, Camera, or Phone Sensor and use your own measurement setup. Custom measurements have generic in-app guidance rather than a reviewed movement-specific protocol.
  3. Record Hip Extension, side, position, and method in the case label or notes so the saved Custom measurement can be interpreted later.

References

  1. Kendall FP, McCreary EK, Provance PG, et al. Muscles: Testing and Function with Posture and Pain. 5th ed. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005.
  2. Norkin CC, White DJ. Measurement of Joint Motion: A Guide to Goniometry. 5th ed. F.A. Davis Company; 2016.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should hip extension measurements be interpreted?

Record the measured value with the side, patient position, method, and active or passive status. Compare repeat measurements made the same way and interpret them with the full clinical context; one value alone cannot establish normality or a diagnosis.

Why is hip extension often overestimated?

Anterior pelvic tilt and lumbar extension can lift the leg without true hip movement. Firm pelvic stabilization is essential for a valid measurement.

Does the knee need to stay straight for hip extension?

For a standard hip extension measurement, keep the knee extended. Bending the knee shifts emphasis toward rectus femoris length rather than isolated hip extension.