Which sequence describes hip orientation from the start of stance to mid-stance?

Which sequence describes hip orientation from the start of stance to mid-stance?

• A. Starts internally rotated and ends in external rotation
• B. Starts abducted and ends extended
• C. Starts externally rotated and ends in internal rotation
• D. Starts extended and ends plantarflexed

Answer: (C)

In this phase of walking, the hip’s orientation changes mainly through rotation as weight shifts over the stance leg. At the moment of initial contact, the thigh is typically in slight external rotation to help the foot land and bear load stably. As you move toward mid-stance, the femur rotates inward relative to the pelvis so the knee and foot align under the body's center of gravity for forward progression. By mid-stance, the hip is more internally rotated than at the start. That’s why the sequence starts externally rotated and ends in internal rotation. Other options describe changes in other directions (like abduction/extension) or refer to the ankle (plantarflexion) rather than the hip’s rotational orientation, so they don’t fit this question.

In this phase of walking, the hip’s orientation changes mainly through rotation as weight shifts over the stance leg. At the moment of initial contact, the thigh is typically in slight external rotation to help the foot land and bear load stably. As you move toward mid-stance, the femur rotates inward relative to the pelvis so the knee and foot align under the body's center of gravity for forward progression. By mid-stance, the hip is more internally rotated than at the start. That’s why the sequence starts externally rotated and ends in internal rotation.

Other options describe changes in other directions (like abduction/extension) or refer to the ankle (plantarflexion) rather than the hip’s rotational orientation, so they don’t fit this question.