The Hip Extension Test measures how far the thigh can move behind the body. It is useful for tracking hip mobility and adding context to gait, running, lunging, bridging and hip flexor length assessments.
A client may report front-of-hip tightness during running, limited stride length, difficulty extending the hip in bridging, or altered lunge mechanics. The Hip Extension Test provides a structured way to measure hip extension ROM and track change over time.
The MAT article describes a prone hip extension test where the client flexes the knee, the inclinometer is placed between the ischial tuberosity and knee joint line, and the client lifts the thigh while the pelvis remains neutral. It lists 10–20 degrees as a typical adult reference range.
Test name: Hip Extension Test
Purpose: Assess hip extension range of motion
What it assesses: The ability to move the thigh behind the body
Equipment: Measurz inclinometer or equivalent inclinometer
Key finding: Hip extension angle in degrees
Best used with: Modified Thomas Test, hip flexion, gait, running assessment, hip bridge and lunge assessment
Key limitation: Lumbar extension and pelvic movement can falsely increase the score
The Hip Extension Test measures hip movement into extension. In prone, the client lifts the thigh away from the table while the pelvis remains controlled.
It is used to assess baseline hip extension ROM, compare sides and add context to movements requiring hip extension, such as gait, running, lunging, bridging and jumping.
It measures hip extension ROM in degrees. It does not isolate hip flexor length, measure glute strength, diagnose anterior hip symptoms or directly assess running performance.
Active hip extension is measured when the client lifts the thigh. Passive extension may be recorded when the movement professional assists the limb. Record active and passive ROM separately.
Runners, field sport athletes, gym clients, clients with hip mobility goals, lower-limb progress tracking and clients where stride, lunge or hip extension context is relevant.
Measurz inclinometer or equivalent inclinometer, treatment table or mat, Measurz app, and notes for side, pain, pelvic position and active/passive method.
Ask the client to lie prone. Flex the knee on the test side so the heel is over the knee. Place the inclinometer along the posterior thigh region as described in the MAT protocol. Ask the client to lift the thigh from the surface while the pelvis remains neutral. Pause and save the result once maximal controlled hip extension is reached.
Stop if the pelvis lifts, lumbar extension dominates, symptoms increase or the client cannot maintain position.
Record hip extension in degrees. The MAT article lists 10–20 degrees as a typical adult reference range.
A lower score may indicate reduced hip extension under the tested method, but interpretation should include pelvic control, lumbar compensation, symptoms, modified Thomas test findings and functional movement.
Evidence level: Level 2, related or closest available reference values.
Use 10–20 degrees as a practical reference for this style of test. Individual baseline, side comparison and progress across sessions are often more useful than a single threshold.
A 2023 study comparing clinical goniometric devices highlighted that measurement error matters when interpreting ROM change, while recent hip ROM research supports careful standardisation of position and landmarks.
Common errors include allowing anterior pelvic tilt, lumbar extension, hip rotation, inconsistent thigh landmarking, changing knee position and interpreting hip extension ROM as isolated hip flexor length.
Use this test to track hip extension mobility, compare sides and interpret lunge, running, bridge and hip flexor length findings.
Record side, hip extension angle, active/passive method, pain score, symptom location, pelvic compensation, knee position, device placement, comparison side and related modified Thomas or lunge findings.
Hip Flexion Test
Hip Modified Thomas Test
Hip Bridge Test
Running Assessment
Lunge Assessment
Prone Hip Internal Rotation Test
It measures how far the thigh moves behind the body.
The MAT article lists 10–20 degrees as a typical adult reference.
Pelvic and lumbar movement can make the result appear greater than true hip extension.
No. ROM and strength should be tested separately.
The Hip Extension Test measures hip extension ROM.
Pelvic control is essential.
Record active/passive method.
Use reference values cautiously.
Track symptoms and compensation in Measurz.
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.
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.
