The MAT Hip Internal Rotation Test assesses hip internal rotation range of motion. Hip internal rotation can be measured in different positions, including sitting, prone or supine with hip flexion, and results can vary depending on setup. Research supports the reliability of digital inclinometers and goniometers for hip internal rotation measurement when standardised, and normative values are typically reported around 30–45 degrees, depending on method and population.
Hip internal rotation is important for squatting, gait, running, pivoting, cutting, rotation-based sports and lower-limb movement control. Measuring hip internal rotation can help identify side-to-side differences, mobility limitations or changes over time.
However, hip internal rotation should not be interpreted in isolation. ROM can be influenced by bony anatomy, soft tissue tolerance, pelvic position, pain, symptoms, sport demands and testing position.
Test name: MAT Hip Internal Rotation Test
Category: Hip range of motion / mobility assessment
Primary score: Hip internal rotation angle in degrees
Common positions: Seated, prone or supine 90/90
Best use: Baseline ROM, side-to-side comparison and retesting
Key limitation: Position and pelvic control strongly affect results.
The Hip Internal Rotation Test measures how far the femur can rotate inward relative to the pelvis. The test may be performed:
Seated with hip and knee at 90 degrees
Prone with knee flexed
Supine with hip and knee at 90 degrees
Weight-bearing or functional rotation variations
The chosen method must be recorded because hip rotation values differ by position and measurement approach.
The test may be used to assess:
Hip internal rotation range of motion
Side-to-side hip mobility differences
Baseline and retest change
Hip mobility in sport or gym contexts
Rotation capacity relevant to squatting, running and pivoting
Symptom response during hip rotation
The test measures hip internal rotation range of motion.
It may reflect:
Femoroacetabular rotation capacity
Soft tissue tolerance
Pelvic control
Side-to-side difference
Symptom response
Sport-specific rotational mobility
It does not diagnose hip pathology or identify the cause of reduced motion on its own.
The test may be useful for:
Field sport athletes
Runners
Lifters
Golfers
Rotational sport athletes
General fitness clients
Clients monitoring hip mobility
Professionals recording ROM baselines
It may need modification if a client has pain, guarding, symptoms or difficulty maintaining the test position.
Treatment table, bench or chair depending on position
Measurz inclinometer or goniometer
Optional Measurz AR measurement for setup consistency
Optional Measurz stopwatch, metronome or rep counter for related movement-control tests
MAT tools such as Anker, Gripper or Muscle Meter for related hip strength testing
Measurz/MAT platform to record side, angle, position, symptoms and retest comparison
Client sits with hips and knees flexed to 90 degrees.
Stabilise or monitor the pelvis.
Move the lower leg outward to produce hip internal rotation.
Stop at the end of available range or symptom limit.
Record the angle.
Repeat on both sides.
Client lies prone with the knee flexed to 90 degrees.
Stabilise the pelvis.
Move the lower leg outward to create hip internal rotation.
Measure the final angle using inclinometer or goniometer.
Repeat on both sides.
Record:
Hip internal rotation angle
Side tested
Testing position
Active or passive measurement
Pelvic control
Pain or symptoms
End-feel or limitation notes
Side-to-side difference
Reduced internal rotation may be relevant when it is large, symptomatic, side-to-side different, or linked to movement goals. Avoid diagnosing based on the ROM value alone.
Common clinical references often list hip internal rotation around 30–45 degrees, depending on testing position and source. A study of healthy Japanese adults found hip rotation ROM differed by sex and supported comparing values across positions rather than relying on a single universal number.
Practical field guidance only:
Typical adult range: approximately 30–45 degrees
Worth monitoring: clear side-to-side difference, especially if greater than 10 degrees
Interpret cautiously: values vary by position, sport, anatomy and symptoms
Charlton and colleagues found concurrent validity between a digital inclinometer and universal goniometer for passive hip internal and external rotation measurements. Other research supports digital inclinometer reliability for hip internal rotation measurement, while newer IMU studies show promise for hip ROM measurement when compared with goniometer and inclinometer methods.
Common errors include:
Pelvic rotation during testing
Changing hip flexion angle
Comparing seated and prone values directly
Not recording active versus passive testing
Measuring past symptom limit
Not recording side-to-side difference
Assuming low IR automatically indicates pathology
The MAT Hip Internal Rotation Test can help professionals:
Monitor hip mobility
Compare sides
Track changes over time
Support squat, running, pivoting and rotation-based assessment
Combine hip ROM with hip strength, trunk mobility, ankle mobility and movement testing
Record:
Test name: Hip Internal Rotation Test
Side tested
Testing position
Active or passive measurement
Angle in degrees
Pelvic control notes
Pain score
Symptoms
End-feel or limitation notes
Retest date
Use the Measurz inclinometer for angle measurement and notes to record symptoms, side-to-side difference and test position.
It measures hip internal rotation range of motion.
Many clinical references use approximately 30–45 degrees, but values vary by position, sex, age, activity and anatomy.
Either may be used, but the position must be recorded and repeated consistently.
No. Low range may be relevant, but it does not diagnose the cause.
Yes. Measurz can record angle, side, position, symptoms and retest change.
The test measures hip internal rotation ROM.
Position strongly affects results.
Side-to-side comparison is important.
Reliability improves with pelvic control and consistent measurement.
Measurz can record angle, symptoms and progress.
Charlton, P. C., Mentiplay, B. F., Pua, Y.-H., & Clark, R. A. (2015). Reliability and concurrent validity of a smartphone, bubble inclinometer and motion analysis system for measurement of hip joint range of motion. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport.
Kim, S. G., & Lim, D. H. (2015). Hip rotation range of motion in sitting and prone positions in healthy Japanese adults. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 27(2), 441–445.
Widler, K. S., Glatthorn, J. F., Bizzini, M., Impellizzeri, F. M., Munzinger, U., Leunig, M., & Maffiuletti, N. A. (2009). Assessment of hip abductor muscle strength: A validity and reliability study. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.
