Which combination is described as the hip external rotator group emphasized for gait?

Which combination is described as the hip external rotator group emphasized for gait?

• A. Iliopsoas and rectus femoris
• B. Tibialis anterior and EHL
• C. Gluteus minimus and TFL only
• D. Six short external rotators, posterior fibers of gluteus medius, and gluteus maximus

Answer: (D)

The key idea is identifying the hip muscles that actively provide external rotation and are emphasized for steady, propulsive gait. The deep external rotators of the hip—six short muscles (the piriformis, superior and inferior gemelli, obturator internus and externus, and quadratus femoris)—work together to externally rotate the femur and stabilize the hip joint during walking. The posterior fibers of the gluteus medius and the gluteus maximus also contribute external rotation, especially when the hip is extending or when stabilizing the pelvis through the gait cycle. This combination is the set most associated with controlling internal rotation tendencies that occur during stance and progression. That’s why the described group includes the six short external rotators plus the posterior fibers of gluteus medius and gluteus maximus. The other options don’t fit because they involve hip flexors (iliopsoas and rectus femoris), ankle/foot dorsiflexors (tibialis anterior and EHL), or muscles that mostly act as abductors/internal rotators (gluteus minimus and TFL) rather than the emphasized external rotator group for gait.

The key idea is identifying the hip muscles that actively provide external rotation and are emphasized for steady, propulsive gait. The deep external rotators of the hip—six short muscles (the piriformis, superior and inferior gemelli, obturator internus and externus, and quadratus femoris)—work together to externally rotate the femur and stabilize the hip joint during walking. The posterior fibers of the gluteus medius and the gluteus maximus also contribute external rotation, especially when the hip is extending or when stabilizing the pelvis through the gait cycle. This combination is the set most associated with controlling internal rotation tendencies that occur during stance and progression.

That’s why the described group includes the six short external rotators plus the posterior fibers of gluteus medius and gluteus maximus. The other options don’t fit because they involve hip flexors (iliopsoas and rectus femoris), ankle/foot dorsiflexors (tibialis anterior and EHL), or muscles that mostly act as abductors/internal rotators (gluteus minimus and TFL) rather than the emphasized external rotator group for gait.