Which muscles are listed as hip internal rotators during gait?

Which muscles are listed as hip internal rotators during gait?

• A. Tensor fascia lata, gluteus minimus, anterior fibers of gluteus medius
• B. Gluteus maximus, hamstrings, adductor magnus
• C. Soleus, gastrocnemius, tibialis posterior
• D. Six short external rotators only

Answer: (A)

Internal rotation of the hip during gait is produced by muscles that pull the femur inward when the thigh is flexed or in a position that favors medial rotation. The tensor fasciae latae contributes to internal rotation as the hip flexes and also helps with hip abduction. The gluteus minimus acts as a primary medial rotator, and its anterior fibers of the gluteus medius specifically rotate the hip inward when the thigh is flexed. Taken together, these muscles provide the inward twist of the thigh that supports smooth progression of the leg during walking. In contrast, muscles like the gluteus maximus are external rotators, the six short external rotators are external rotators as a group, and the soleus, gastrocnemius, tibialis posterior are primarily ankle/foot muscles. Adductor magnus isn’t a primary internal rotator during gait. So the trio listed are the best fit for hip internal rotators in walking.

Internal rotation of the hip during gait is produced by muscles that pull the femur inward when the thigh is flexed or in a position that favors medial rotation. The tensor fasciae latae contributes to internal rotation as the hip flexes and also helps with hip abduction. The gluteus minimus acts as a primary medial rotator, and its anterior fibers of the gluteus medius specifically rotate the hip inward when the thigh is flexed. Taken together, these muscles provide the inward twist of the thigh that supports smooth progression of the leg during walking.

In contrast, muscles like the gluteus maximus are external rotators, the six short external rotators are external rotators as a group, and the soleus, gastrocnemius, tibialis posterior are primarily ankle/foot muscles. Adductor magnus isn’t a primary internal rotator during gait. So the trio listed are the best fit for hip internal rotators in walking.