Which movements are included in a standard hip range of motion assessment?

• A. Flexion and extension only
• B. Flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, internal rotation, external rotation
• C. Dorsiflexion and plantarflexion
• D. Pronation and supination

Answer: (B)

Hip range of motion is assessed in all directions the joint can move to capture its full mobility. The standard set includes six movements: flexion and extension in the sagittal plane; adduction and abduction in the frontal plane; and internal rotation and external rotation in the transverse plane. This combination covers the main actions the hip performs and helps identify where a limitation or pathology lies.

Movements such as dorsiflexion and plantarflexion belong to the ankle and foot, not the hip, while pronation and supination are forearm (and in the foot, subtalar) movements, not hip movements. So they don’t fit a typical hip ROM exam.