Which muscles are listed as hip internal rotators during gait?

Which muscles are listed as hip internal rotators during gait?

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

Answer: (B)

Hip internal rotation during gait is produced by muscles that pull the thigh inward, toward the midline. The primary internal rotators in this phase are the tensor fasciae latae, the gluteus minimus, and the anterior fibers of the gluteus medius. The anterior portion of the gluteus medius is oriented to rotate the thigh medially when the hip is flexed, which fits the gait motion, and the tensor fasciae latae assists in internal rotation while helping to flex the hip and stabilize the pelvis. Other muscles listed don’t fit as internal rotators. Gluteus maximus mainly causes external rotation and hip extension; the six short external rotators (piriformis, obturators, gemelli, quadratus femoris) also rotate the hip outward. The calf muscles and tibialis posterior act at the ankle or foot, not the hip, and the adductor magnus isn’t a primary internal rotator during gait.

Hip internal rotation during gait is produced by muscles that pull the thigh inward, toward the midline. The primary internal rotators in this phase are the tensor fasciae latae, the gluteus minimus, and the anterior fibers of the gluteus medius. The anterior portion of the gluteus medius is oriented to rotate the thigh medially when the hip is flexed, which fits the gait motion, and the tensor fasciae latae assists in internal rotation while helping to flex the hip and stabilize the pelvis.

Other muscles listed don’t fit as internal rotators. Gluteus maximus mainly causes external rotation and hip extension; the six short external rotators (piriformis, obturators, gemelli, quadratus femoris) also rotate the hip outward. The calf muscles and tibialis posterior act at the ankle or foot, not the hip, and the adductor magnus isn’t a primary internal rotator during gait.