During gait, the primary hip flexor is which muscle?

During gait, the primary hip flexor is which muscle?

• A. Gluteus maximus
• B. Tibialis posterior
• C. Iliopsoas
• D. Soleus

Answer: (C)

Hip flexion during gait is driven mainly by the iliopsoas, a powerful hip flexor formed by the iliacus and psoas major. It crosses the front of the hip joint, allowing the thigh to rise and move the leg forward into the swing phase, which is essential for advancing the limb. The gluteus maximus extends the hip, not flexes it, so it opposes this action. The tibialis posterior and soleus act on the foot and ankle, not the hip. So, the iliopsoas is the best answer because it is the primary muscle responsible for initiating and controlling hip flexion during walking.

Hip flexion during gait is driven mainly by the iliopsoas, a powerful hip flexor formed by the iliacus and psoas major. It crosses the front of the hip joint, allowing the thigh to rise and move the leg forward into the swing phase, which is essential for advancing the limb. The gluteus maximus extends the hip, not flexes it, so it opposes this action. The tibialis posterior and soleus act on the foot and ankle, not the hip. So, the iliopsoas is the best answer because it is the primary muscle responsible for initiating and controlling hip flexion during walking.