Maximal hip internal rotation occurs at approximately what point in the gait cycle?

Maximal hip internal rotation occurs at approximately what point in the gait cycle?

• A. 10%
• B. 30%
• C. 50%
• D. 90%

Answer: (C)

Maximal hip internal rotation occurs when the body is most loaded over the stance leg, around the middle of the gait cycle. As weight shifts over the stance limb, the pelvis rotates to help move the body forward, and the thigh internally rotates to accommodate this alignment. This inward rotation peaks at midstance and then decreases as the limb moves into the later phases of stance and into the swing phase. Early in the cycle the leg is more externally rotated, and rotation lessens again later, so the peak occurs around halfway through the cycle.

Maximal hip internal rotation occurs when the body is most loaded over the stance leg, around the middle of the gait cycle. As weight shifts over the stance limb, the pelvis rotates to help move the body forward, and the thigh internally rotates to accommodate this alignment. This inward rotation peaks at midstance and then decreases as the limb moves into the later phases of stance and into the swing phase. Early in the cycle the leg is more externally rotated, and rotation lessens again later, so the peak occurs around halfway through the cycle.