Hip ROM Guide

Hip Flexion Range of Motion Measurement Guide

HipFlexionSagittal planeCustom in appUpdated 2026-09-27

Measurement Snapshot

MovementFlexion
PlaneSagittal plane
Primary MusclesIliopsoas, rectus femoris, sartorius, tensor fasciae latae

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

Hip flexion ROM is tracked after hip arthroplasty, in femoroacetabular impingement workflows, and in mobility-focused rehabilitation. Interpret alongside pain, strength, and surgical precautions.

Standardized Setup

Patient Position
Place the patient supine with both legs extended and the pelvis neutral before the measured hip is flexed with the knee allowed to bend.
Stabilization
Stabilize the pelvis and lumbar spine so posterior pelvic tilt and lumbar flexion do not add apparent hip flexion at end range.
Landmarks
Use the greater trochanter as the axis, the lateral midline of the 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 supine start with the thigh flat on the table.
  2. Flex the hip and knee together through the available sagittal range.
  3. Stop at the first posterior pelvic tilt or lumbar flexion, or at the true hip end range.
  4. Record the value with knee position and active or passive status.

Common Measurement Errors

  • Allowing posterior pelvic tilt to add apparent hip flexion.
  • Keeping the knee straight so hamstring tension limits the measurement.
  • Failing to stabilize the opposite leg, which lifts and tilts the pelvis.

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 Flexion as the movement. The app does not provide a named Hip Flexion 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 Flexion, side, position, and method in the case label or notes so the saved Custom measurement can be interpreted later.

References

  1. Norkin CC, White DJ. Measurement of Joint Motion: A Guide to Goniometry. 5th ed. F.A. Davis Company; 2016.
  2. Roach KE, Miles TP. Normal hip and knee active range of motion: the relationship to age. Phys Ther. 1991;71(9):656-665.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should hip flexion 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 does knee position matter for hip flexion?

The hamstrings cross both joints, so an extended knee limits hip flexion. Flexing the knee removes that tension and lets the hip reach its true range, which is why knee position must be documented.

How do you keep the pelvis from inflating the measurement?

Stabilize the pelvis and lumbar spine and stop when posterior pelvic tilt begins, so the reading reflects hip motion rather than combined hip and lumbar movement.