During initial contact, the hip flexion is approximately which range?

During initial contact, the hip flexion is approximately which range?

• A. 0-10° flexion
• B. 20-30° flexion
• C. 20-40° flexion
• D. 45-60° flexion

Answer: (B)

During initial contact, the leg is positioned with a modest amount of hip flexion rather than being near neutral or highly flexed. This around 20 degrees of hip flexion places the thigh forward in a position that facilitates a stable heel strike, aligns the limb under the body's center of mass, and sets up the knee and ankle to absorb impact smoothly as weight begins to be borne. If the hip were only 0–10 degrees, the foot would likely strike in a less integrated way; if the hip were 45–60 degrees, it would place the limb in too much flexion for the moment of initial contact. The 20–30 degree range best matches the typical alignment seen at heel strike, making it the most accurate choice.

During initial contact, the leg is positioned with a modest amount of hip flexion rather than being near neutral or highly flexed. This around 20 degrees of hip flexion places the thigh forward in a position that facilitates a stable heel strike, aligns the limb under the body's center of mass, and sets up the knee and ankle to absorb impact smoothly as weight begins to be borne. If the hip were only 0–10 degrees, the foot would likely strike in a less integrated way; if the hip were 45–60 degrees, it would place the limb in too much flexion for the moment of initial contact. The 20–30 degree range best matches the typical alignment seen at heel strike, making it the most accurate choice.