The Supine Hip Internal Rotation Test measures hip internal rotation with the hip flexed to approximately 90 degrees. It is useful for tracking rotational mobility, comparing sides and adding context to squatting, running, cutting and lower-limb movement.
A client may show a side-to-side difference in hip rotation during squatting, gait, change of direction or sport-specific movement. Supine hip internal rotation testing offers a controlled way to measure rotational ROM with the hip flexed.
The MAT article describes a supine test with the hip at 90 degrees, the knee centred over the hip, the smart device on the midway point of the tibia, and the foot rotating away from the body to create hip internal rotation. It lists approximately 35–40 degrees as an adult reference range.
Test name: Supine Hip Internal Rotation Test
Purpose: Assess hip internal rotation ROM in supine
What it assesses: Hip rotation with the hip flexed
Equipment: Measurz inclinometer or equivalent inclinometer
Key finding: Internal rotation angle in degrees
Best used with: Supine hip external rotation, prone hip rotation, squat assessment, running and change-of-direction testing
Key limitation: Pelvic position and knee alignment strongly affect results
This test measures hip internal rotation in a supine position with the hip flexed to around 90 degrees. The foot moves away from the body as the femur internally rotates.
It is used to assess rotational hip mobility, compare sides and monitor changes over time.
It measures supine hip internal rotation ROM in degrees. It does not measure hip strength, pain source, pelvic control or sport readiness.
Active ROM is measured when the client rotates the hip themselves. Passive ROM may be measured when the movement professional assists the movement. The MAT article notes passive testing can be used if recorded consistently.
Athletes, runners, field sport clients, golfers, gym clients and lower-limb mobility tracking.
Measurz inclinometer, treatment table or mat, Measurz app, and notes for side, pain, active/passive method and pelvic/knee control.
Position the client supine and bring the test hip to 90 degrees. Keep the knee directly over the hip. Place the device at 0 degrees on the midway point of the tibia. Ask the client to rotate the foot away from the body to internally rotate the hip. Save the result once maximal controlled ROM is reached.
Record internal rotation ROM in degrees. The MAT article lists approximately 35–40 degrees as a practical adult reference.
A lower value should be interpreted with symptoms, pelvic control, external rotation, prone rotation and functional movement findings.
Evidence level: Level 2, related or closest available reference values.
Use 35–40 degrees as a practical reference for this MAT-style supine test. Do not compare directly with prone rotation tests without noting the position difference.
Recent hip ROM measurement studies highlight the importance of standardising hip position, device alignment and movement instructions. Smartphone goniometer research shows usability, but inter-rater reliability may be lower when different assessors perform the test.
Common errors include knee drifting away from the hip, pelvic rotation, tibial device misalignment, confusing rotation direction, changing active/passive method and comparing prone and supine results as the same test.
Use this test to track internal rotation ROM, compare sides and add context to squatting, cutting, running and hip mobility programming.
Record side, internal rotation angle, active/passive method, pain score, symptom location, hip angle, knee alignment, device position, comparison with external rotation and retest date.
Supine Hip External Rotation Test
Prone Hip Internal Rotation Test
Prone Hip External Rotation Test
Hip Flexion Test
Squat Assessment
505 Agility Test
It measures hip internal rotation ROM with the hip flexed to approximately 90 degrees.
The MAT article lists approximately 35–40 degrees for adults.
Yes. Knee drift changes the test position and score.
No. The position changes the result and should be recorded separately.
The test measures supine hip internal rotation.
Hip and knee position must be controlled.
Record active/passive method.
Use practical references cautiously.
Track side comparison in Measurz.
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.
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.
Kiatkulanusorn, S., et al. (2023). Analysis of the concurrent validity and reliability of five common clinical goniometric devices. Scientific Reports, 13, 20915.
