Range of Motion: Supine Hip External Rotation

Equipment needed:

• Inclinometer
• Table or mat

Procedure:

1. Have the client adopt a supine position lying down on a massage table or mat. Ask the client to bring one of their hips up to 90 degrees.
2. While ensuring the client keeps their knee directly over the center of their hip joint, have the client rotate their foot across the midline of their body. Doing this will allow the client’s hip to externally rotate. 
3. As this is a rotational assessment, the Measurz app will utilise the transverse plane feature of the inclinometer. Thus, the starting position of the smart device is critical. The smart device should be resting at 0 degrees, ideally on top of the midway point of the client’s tibia.
4. Once the client has achieved their maximal level of hip external rotation, press the pause/play, followed by the save buttons to view the client’s results.
5. This test can also be performed passively, by assisting the client to achieve extra range of motion. Should this be selected, please record this in the notes section and use it consistently. NB: Normative data suggests that we should aim to achieve at least 50 degrees of external rotation.

Normative data suggests that we should aim to achieve at least 50 degrees of external rotation. although this can vary depending on the individual and other factors such as age, sex, and physical activity level.

It's important to note that "normal" range of motion can vary from person to person, and what's considered normal for one individual may not be normal for another. Additionally, factors such as joint laxity, muscle tightness, and injury history can also affect a person's Hip External Rotation range of motion. A trained healthcare professional can provide a more individualized assessment and interpretation of a person's Hip External Rotation range of motion.

References:

1. Norkin, C.C. and White, D.J. (2016). Measurement of Joint Motion: A Guide to Goniometry. F.A. Davis Company.
2. Kendall, F.P., McCreary, E.K., and Provance, P.G. (2005). Muscles: Testing and Function, with Posture and Pain. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
3. Magee, D.J. (2013). Orthopedic Physical Assessment. Elsevier Health Sciences.