The Hip Flexion Test measures how far the client can bring the thigh toward the trunk. It is useful for tracking hip mobility, comparing sides and adding context to squatting, lunging, running, sitting tolerance and lower-limb movement.
A client may report stiffness at the front of the hip, difficulty achieving squat depth, or a side-to-side difference when bringing the knee toward the chest. The Hip Flexion Test provides a repeatable way to measure hip flexion ROM and track whether it changes across sessions.
The MAT article describes a supine hip flexion test using the Measurz inclinometer, with the client bringing the leg toward the chest and the inclinometer placed midway along the femur. It also notes that passive testing can be used if recorded consistently.
Test name: Hip Flexion Test
Purpose: Assess hip flexion range of motion
What it assesses: The ability to bring the thigh toward the trunk
Equipment: Measurz inclinometer or equivalent inclinometer
Key finding: Hip flexion angle in degrees
Best used with: Hip extension, hip rotation, modified Thomas test, squat assessment and lower-limb strength tests
Key limitation: Hip flexion ROM does not explain the cause of restriction on its own
The Hip Flexion Test is a range of motion assessment for the hip moving into flexion. It records how far the femur can move toward the trunk in the chosen test position.
It is used to establish baseline hip mobility, compare sides, track progress and add context to movements that require hip flexion, such as squatting, running, step-ups, sitting and lunging.
It measures hip flexion ROM in degrees. It does not directly measure hip strength, pelvic control, lumbar movement, pain source, squat performance or running ability.
Active ROM is measured when the client brings the thigh toward the trunk themselves. Passive ROM may be measured when the movement professional assists the limb into flexion. Active and passive results should be recorded separately and retested consistently.
This test may be useful for athletes, runners, gym clients, older adults, lower-limb progress tracking and clients where squat, lunge, gait or hip mobility context is relevant.
Measurz inclinometer or equivalent inclinometer, treatment table or mat, Measurz app, and notes for side, pain score, symptoms and active/passive method.
Ask the client to lie supine on a table or mat. On the test side, ask the client to bring the thigh toward the chest in a controlled manner. Place the inclinometer at the midway point of the femur and record the angle once the client reaches maximal controlled flexion. If passive ROM is being assessed, assist the thigh further while recording that the test was passive.
Ask what the client feels and where. Stop if symptoms meaningfully change movement quality or the pelvis/lumbar spine begins to compensate.
Record hip flexion ROM in degrees. The MAT article lists 120–130 degrees as a typical adult reference range, while noting that normal ROM varies by factors such as age, sex and activity level.
A lower value may reflect reduced hip flexion ROM under the tested method, but interpretation should include pelvic position, symptoms, lumbar compensation, side comparison and related functional findings.
Evidence level: Level 2, related or closest available reference values.
Use 120–130 degrees as a practical reference for this MAT-style hip flexion test, not as a universal rule. Baseline comparison, side-to-side comparison, symptoms and progress across sessions are often more useful.
Recent hip ROM research shows that measurement reliability depends heavily on position, device placement, assessor consistency and pelvic control. A 2022 study of smartphone goniometers for hip ROM reported high intra-rater reliability but lower inter-rater reliability, supporting the need to keep assessor and setup consistent where possible.
Common errors include allowing posterior pelvic tilt, measuring lumbar motion as hip motion, inconsistent inclinometer placement, changing active/passive method and pushing into symptoms.
Use this test to monitor hip flexion mobility, compare sides and add context to squat depth, step-up ability, running mechanics and lower-limb strength testing.
Record baseline hip flexion ROM in degrees, side tested, active or passive ROM, pain score, symptom location, device placement, pelvic/lumbar compensation, comparison with the other side, related strength findings and retest date.
Hip Extension Test
Hip Modified Thomas Test
Supine Hip Internal Rotation Test
Supine Hip External Rotation Test
Squat Assessment
Straight Leg Raise Test
It measures how far the thigh can move toward the trunk.
The MAT article lists 120–130 degrees as a typical adult reference, but this varies between clients and testing methods.
Either can be useful. Record the method and repeat the same version when retesting.
It provides movement information but should be interpreted alongside symptoms, pelvic control, side comparison and functional tests.
The Hip Flexion Test measures hip flexion ROM.
Pelvic and lumbar compensation must be monitored.
Record active and passive results separately.
Use reference values cautiously.
Track side comparison and progress in Measurz.
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.
Fraeulin, L., et al. (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.
Kiatkulanusorn, S., et al. (2023). Analysis of the concurrent validity and reliability of five common clinical goniometric devices. Scientific Reports, 13, 20915.
