The Prone Hip External Rotation Test measures hip external rotation while the client lies prone with the knee flexed. It can help track rotational mobility, compare sides and add context to squatting, running, cutting and sport-specific movement.
A client may show limited rotation in a squat, have side-to-side differences in cutting, or feel restricted in positions that require the hip to rotate outward. The Prone Hip External Rotation Test gives a repeatable way to measure this movement.
The MAT article describes the client lying prone with the knee flexed, placing the Measurz inclinometer along the tibia, then moving the foot back and across midline until the pelvis begins to lift. It also notes that passive testing can be used if pelvic fixation and consistent recording are maintained.
Test name: Prone Hip External Rotation Test
Purpose: Assess prone hip external rotation ROM
What it assesses: Rotational ROM of the hip in prone
Equipment: Measurz inclinometer or equivalent inclinometer
Key finding: External rotation angle in degrees
Best used with: Prone hip internal rotation, supine hip rotation, squat and change-of-direction assessment
Key limitation: Pelvic lift can falsely increase the score
This test measures hip external rotation in prone. With the knee flexed, the foot moves toward/across midline as the femur externally rotates.
It is used to assess rotational hip mobility, compare sides and monitor change over time.
It measures prone hip external rotation ROM. It does not measure hip strength, control, pain source or readiness for sport.
Active ROM is measured when the client rotates the hip. Passive ROM may be assessed by assisting the movement while fixing the pelvis. Record the method clearly.
Athletes, runners, gym clients, golfers, dancers, field sport clients and clients where hip rotation mobility is relevant.
Measurz inclinometer, treatment table or mat, Measurz app, and notes for side, active/passive method, pain and pelvic movement.
Position the client prone with one knee flexed so the heel is over the knee. Place the inclinometer along the tibia. Ask the client to externally rotate the hip by bringing the foot toward/across midline. Stop when the pelvis begins to lift or rotate. Save the result in Measurz.
Record external rotation ROM in degrees. The MAT source lists at least 50 degrees as a practical target for this test. Use this cautiously and consider test position, pelvic control, symptoms and side-to-side comparison.
Evidence level: Level 2, related or closest available reference values.
Use 50 degrees as a practical MAT reference for prone hip external rotation, not as a universal rule.
Recent active hip ROM research supports the use of device-based hip ROM testing when standardised, but also shows that tool choice and protocol matter.
Common errors include pelvic lift, inconsistent knee angle, tibial device drift, moving too quickly, pushing into symptoms and comparing prone and supine rotation directly.
Use this test to monitor hip external rotation ROM, compare sides and add context to squatting, change of direction, field sport movement and rotation-based tasks.
Record side, prone hip external rotation angle, active/passive method, pain score, symptom location, pelvic movement, tibial device placement, comparison with internal rotation and retest date.
Prone Hip Internal Rotation Test
Supine Hip External Rotation Test
Supine Hip Internal Rotation Test
Squat Assessment
MAT Hip Internal Rotation Test
505 Agility Test
It measures hip external rotation ROM in a prone position.
The MAT source lists at least 50 degrees, but this should be interpreted with client context.
Pelvic movement can make the hip rotation score appear larger than it is.
Yes, if pelvic position is controlled and the method is recorded.
The test measures prone hip external rotation.
Pelvic control is essential.
Record active/passive method.
Use 50 degrees cautiously as a practical reference.
Do not compare directly with supine rotation tests.
Królikowska, A., et al. (2023). Validity and reliability of inertial measurement units in active range of motion assessment of the hip joint. Sensors, 23(21), 8782.
Kiatkulanusorn, S., et al. (2023). Analysis of the concurrent validity and reliability of five common clinical goniometric devices. Scientific Reports, 13, 20915.
Mosler, A. B., et al. (2017). Hip strength and range of motion: Normal values from a professional football league. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 20(4), 339–343.
