Which statement about the hip external rotators during gait is true?

Which statement about the hip external rotators during gait is true?

• A. They activate only during swing phase
• B. They do not contribute to pelvis stabilization
• C. They include the six short external rotators, posterior fibers of gluteus medius, and gluteus maximus
• D. They primarily cause ankle motion

Answer: (C)

During gait, the hip external rotators work to stabilize the pelvis and control rotation of the femur, not just to move the hip. The group includes the six short external rotators (piriformis, superior and inferior gemellus, obturator internus and externus, quadratus femoris), plus the posterior fibers of the gluteus medius and the gluteus maximus. These muscles coordinate to resist internal rotation and keep the pelvis level when one leg is bearing weight, especially from late stance into early swing. The posterior fibers of gluteus medius help rotate the hip when the thigh is extended, while gluteus maximus contributes to external rotation in that same position, aiding stability and control of femoral movement. This means their main role during gait is pelvis stabilization and controlled hip rotation, not driving ankle motion or being active only in swing. The other options misstate timing, stability, or the primary action of these muscles.

During gait, the hip external rotators work to stabilize the pelvis and control rotation of the femur, not just to move the hip. The group includes the six short external rotators (piriformis, superior and inferior gemellus, obturator internus and externus, quadratus femoris), plus the posterior fibers of the gluteus medius and the gluteus maximus. These muscles coordinate to resist internal rotation and keep the pelvis level when one leg is bearing weight, especially from late stance into early swing. The posterior fibers of gluteus medius help rotate the hip when the thigh is extended, while gluteus maximus contributes to external rotation in that same position, aiding stability and control of femoral movement. This means their main role during gait is pelvis stabilization and controlled hip rotation, not driving ankle motion or being active only in swing. The other options misstate timing, stability, or the primary action of these muscles.