Hip external rotators are most active during which portion of gait?

Hip external rotators are most active during which portion of gait?

• A. Terminal swing only
• B. Early stance
• C. Mid-swing only
• D. Pre-swing only

Answer: (B)

In gait, the hip external rotators are most relied on during the initial weight-bearing portion because that phase subjects the leg to rotational forces as the body accepts load. Ground reaction forces tend to drive the thigh into internal rotation, so the deep external rotators—piriformis, obturators, gemelli, and quadratus femoris—actively counteract this rotation to keep the femoral head centered in the acetabulum and maintain proper alignment as the limb stabilizes and progresses. As the stance continues into later portions, the demand for these muscles in the transverse plane diminishes, so their peak activity occurs in early stance.

In gait, the hip external rotators are most relied on during the initial weight-bearing portion because that phase subjects the leg to rotational forces as the body accepts load. Ground reaction forces tend to drive the thigh into internal rotation, so the deep external rotators—piriformis, obturators, gemelli, and quadratus femoris—actively counteract this rotation to keep the femoral head centered in the acetabulum and maintain proper alignment as the limb stabilizes and progresses. As the stance continues into later portions, the demand for these muscles in the transverse plane diminishes, so their peak activity occurs in early stance.