The Hip Flexion Test measures how far the thigh moves toward the trunk. It is useful for assessing hip mobility, comparing sides, recording symptoms and monitoring change over time.
Hip flexion range of motion is used across movement, rehabilitation, performance and fitness settings. It relates to tasks such as squatting, running, cycling, sitting, climbing stairs and floor-to-stand movement.
Hip flexion ROM is not a stand-alone explanation for pain or performance. It should be interpreted with symptoms, pelvic control, lumbar movement, strength, function and the client’s goals.
Measures sagittal-plane hip flexion ROM.
Can be active or passive.
Pelvic and lumbar control are critical.
Record pain, symptoms and compensation.
Compare sides and baseline over time.
The Hip Flexion Test measures how far the hip can flex, usually with the client lying supine. The knee is commonly bent to reduce hamstring limitation, allowing a clearer view of hip flexion range.
It is used to:
establish hip mobility baseline
compare left and right sides
monitor progress
assess symptom response with flexion
support exercise selection
add context to squats, lunges, running and sitting tolerance
track movement changes in Measurz
The test measures hip flexion in degrees. Results may be affected by:
pelvic tilt
lumbar spine movement
hip joint structure
gluteal or soft-tissue approximation
pain or guarding
hamstring tension if the knee is extended
strength and active control
warm-up and testing method
Useful for:
athletes
gym and studio clients
older adults
clients returning to running, squatting or cycling
professionals monitoring hip mobility over time
teams comparing mobility profiles
Firm plinth or mat
Inclinometer, goniometer or digital ROM tool
Pain scale
Measurz record
Optional towel or strap for positioning
Client position. Lie supine with both legs relaxed.
Test side setup. Flex the test hip by bringing the thigh toward the trunk. Keep the knee flexed unless testing straight-leg hip flexion specifically.
Stabilise. Monitor the pelvis and lumbar spine. Avoid posterior pelvic tilt or lumbar flattening becoming the main movement.
Active ROM. Ask the client to lift the thigh toward the chest as far as comfortable.
Passive ROM. If appropriate, guide the thigh toward the trunk until the first firm end point, symptom limit or pelvic compensation.
Measure. With a goniometer, align around the greater trochanter, using the trunk and femur as reference lines. With an inclinometer, record device placement and orientation.
Ask symptoms. Record pain, pinch, stretch, pressure or apprehension.
Watch compensation. Note pelvic tilt, lumbar movement, hip rotation or opposite leg lifting.
Repeat. Use one familiarisation trial and one to three recorded trials.
Retest consistently. Use the same knee position, device and instructions.
Record hip flexion in degrees. Higher values generally indicate more available hip flexion in that test position. Lower values show less available range but do not explain the cause.
Interpret with:
active versus passive ROM
side-to-side comparison
pain score
symptom location
pelvic control
lumbar compensation
squat, lunge or running findings
baseline change
Evidence level: Level 2 — closest available reference values.
General hip flexion reference values are often reported around 110–120 degrees, but values vary with method, age, sex, body structure and whether pelvic motion is allowed. The CDC normal joint ROM resource provides population reference values by age and sex for joint ROM and reinforces that ROM varies across demographic groups.
A hip ROM reliability study found that pelvic position can substantially influence hip flexion measurements, with posterior pelvic tilt increasing the measured range, which is important when comparing results across sessions.
Use reference values only as context. Practical comparison should prioritise:
same-client baseline
left/right comparison
active/passive difference
pelvic compensation
symptoms
task requirements
Hip ROM measurement reliability depends on examiner consistency, pelvic control and measurement tool. Smartphone goniometer research has investigated intra- and inter-rater reliability for hip ROM and supports the need for standardised setup and clear procedures.
A 2020 PLOS ONE study also found that reliability differs between ROM tests and tools, reinforcing the need to keep the same method when tracking progress.
No universal MDC or MCID should be applied to all hip flexion testing unless it matches the exact protocol and population.
Sensitivity and specificity are not usually applicable to hip flexion ROM testing because it measures movement range and symptom response rather than identifying a condition on its own.
allowing posterior pelvic tilt to inflate the score
comparing bent-knee and straight-leg hip flexion
poor landmarking
inconsistent device placement
ignoring symptoms
measuring lumbar motion instead of hip flexion
forcing passive range
assuming one normal value fits all clients
Hip flexion ROM can help with:
baseline hip mobility testing
squat and lunge movement context
running, cycling and stair-related goals
side-to-side comparison
progress tracking after mobility or strength work
identifying whether related hip, lumbar, strength or functional testing may add context
Record:
test name: Hip Flexion ROM
side tested
active or passive ROM
knee position
score in degrees
device used
pain score
symptom location
pelvic or lumbar compensation
comparison side
baseline
retest date
related strength or functional findings
Example: “Left hip flexion PROM 112°, knee flexed, inclinometer, pain 0/10, mild posterior pelvic tilt at end range. Right 118°.”
Hip Extension Test
Hip Abduction Test
Hip Adduction Test
Supine Hip Internal Rotation Test
Supine Hip External Rotation Test
Knee Flexion Test
What is normal hip flexion ROM?
General references often place hip flexion around 110–120 degrees, but values vary by age, sex, method and pelvic control.
Should hip flexion be measured with the knee bent or straight?
Bent-knee hip flexion is commonly used to reduce hamstring influence. Straight-leg testing measures a different movement context.
Why does pelvic position matter?
Pelvic tilt can make hip flexion appear greater than it is, reducing test consistency.
How should hip flexion be tracked over time?
Use the same position, knee angle, device placement and instructions, then compare against baseline and symptoms.
Hip flexion ROM requires strong pelvic control.
Record whether the test is active or passive.
Compare sides and baseline rather than relying only on general norms.
Symptoms and compensation are essential interpretation notes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Normal joint range of motion study. https://archive.cdc.gov/www_cdc_gov/ncbddd/jointrom/index.html
Charlton, P. C., et al. (2022). Clinical reliability and usability of smartphone goniometers for hip range of motion measurement. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 34(6), 424–431. PMID: 35698549
Fraeulin, L., Holzgreve, F., Brinkbäumer, M., Dziuba, A., Friebe, D., Klemz, S., Schmitt, J., Theis, A., Tenberg, S., van Mark, A., Maurer-Grubinger, C., & Ohlendorf, D. (2020). Intra- and inter-rater reliability of joint range of motion tests using tape measure, digital inclinometer and inertial motion capturing. PLOS ONE, 15(12), e0243646. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0243646
Kiatkulanusorn, S., Luangpon, N., Srijunto, W., Watechagit, S., Pitchayadejanant, K., Kuharat, S., Bég, O. A., & Suato, B. P. (2023). Analysis of the concurrent validity and reliability of five common clinical goniometric devices. Scientific Reports, 13, 20725. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-48344-6
