The Supine Hip External Rotation Test measures hip external 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 assessment.
A client may feel restricted rotating the hip outward during squats, sitting positions, agility drills or sport movements. Measuring supine hip external rotation gives a controlled way to record rotational ROM and monitor change.
The MAT article describes a supine test where the client brings the hip to 90 degrees, keeps the knee over the hip and rotates the foot across the midline to externally rotate the hip. It lists at least 50 degrees of external rotation as a practical reference.
Test name: Supine Hip External Rotation Test
Purpose: Assess hip external rotation ROM in supine
What it assesses: Hip rotation with the hip flexed
Equipment: Measurz inclinometer or equivalent inclinometer
Key finding: External rotation angle in degrees
Best used with: Supine hip internal rotation, prone hip rotation, squat assessment and change-of-direction testing
Key limitation: Pelvic position and knee alignment strongly affect results
This test measures hip external rotation in a supine position with the hip flexed to around 90 degrees. The foot moves across the midline as the femur externally rotates.
It is used to assess rotational hip mobility, compare sides and track progress over time.
It measures supine hip external 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 motion. The MAT article notes passive testing should be recorded and used consistently.
Athletes, gym clients, runners, golfers, field sport clients, dancers and clients where hip rotation is relevant.
Measurz inclinometer, treatment table or mat, Measurz app, and notes for side, active/passive method, pain and pelvic/knee control.
Position the client supine and flex the test hip to approximately 90 degrees. Keep the knee directly over the centre of the hip joint. Place the smart device at 0 degrees on the midway point of the tibia. Ask the client to rotate the foot across the midline to externally rotate the hip. Save the result once maximal controlled ROM is reached.
Record external rotation ROM in degrees. The MAT source lists at least 50 degrees as a practical reference.
Interpret with symptoms, internal rotation, pelvic control, movement goals and side comparison.
Evidence level: Level 2, related or closest available reference values.
Use at least 50 degrees as a practical MAT reference for this test. Do not apply it universally without considering age, activity, symptoms and test setup.
Recent hip ROM studies support standardised device placement and position control. Device-based hip ROM methods can be useful, but assessor consistency, body position and measurement landmarks remain important for reliable retesting.
Common errors include knee drift, pelvic rotation, tibial device misalignment, changing active/passive method, confusing hip rotation direction and comparing prone and supine scores directly.
Use this test to monitor external rotation ROM, compare sides and add context to squatting, cutting, running, sitting positions and rotational sport tasks.
Record side, external rotation angle, active/passive method, pain score, symptom location, hip angle, knee position, device placement, comparison with internal rotation and retest date.
Supine Hip Internal Rotation Test
Prone Hip External Rotation Test
Prone Hip Internal Rotation Test
Squat Assessment
MAT Hip Internal Rotation Test
Lunge Assessment
It measures hip external rotation ROM with the hip flexed to approximately 90 degrees.
The MAT source lists at least 50 degrees, but this should be interpreted with client context.
Either can be used. Record the method and repeat it consistently.
Knee drift changes the hip position and can alter the measurement.
The test measures supine hip external rotation.
Hip and knee position must be standardised.
Record active/passive method.
Use 50 degrees cautiously as a practical reference.
Track side-to-side change 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.
