Active ROM
Client moves the joint independently.
Use it to observe:
- available movement
- pain during movement
- movement quality
- willingness to move
Clinical clue: Pain during Active ROM may involve contractile or non-contractile structures.
FREE ROM GUIDE
Hip Range of Motion
FREE SAMPLELearn when and why to use active, passive and resisted range of motion during a practical hip assessment.
ROM TESTING OVERVIEW
Active, Passive & Resisted ROM
Passive ROM
Therapist moves the relaxed joint.
Use it to assess:
- available range
- end feel
- pain with passive movement
- joint or non-contractile restriction
Clinical clue: Pain during Passive ROM may suggest involvement of joint, capsule, ligament or other non-contractile structures.
Resisted ROM
Client contracts against resistance without needing large joint movement.
Use it to assess:
- muscle or tendon pain
- strength
- contractile tissue involvement
Clinical clue: Painful resisted contraction may indicate involvement of the muscle-tendon unit being tested.
HIP MOVEMENTS
Hip movements to assess
Flexion
ACTIVE:
Ask the client to bring the knee toward the chest.
PASSIVE:
Support the leg and gently move the hip into flexion.
RESISTED:
Client attempts hip flexion while resistance is applied against the thigh.
Extension
ACTIVE:
Ask the client to move the leg backward while keeping the trunk still.
PASSIVE:
Support the leg and gently move the hip into extension.
RESISTED:
Client attempts hip extension while resistance is applied against the posterior thigh.
Abduction
ACTIVE:
Ask the client to move the leg away from the midline.
PASSIVE:
Support the leg and gently move the hip into abduction.
RESISTED:
Client attempts hip abduction while resistance is applied against the lateral thigh.
Adduction
ACTIVE:
Ask the client to move the leg toward or across the midline.
PASSIVE:
Support the leg and gently move the hip into adduction.
RESISTED:
Client attempts hip adduction while resistance is applied against the medial thigh.
Internal Rotation
ACTIVE:
Ask the client to rotate the thigh inward.
PASSIVE:
Support the leg and gently move the hip into internal rotation.
RESISTED:
Client attempts internal rotation while resistance is applied against the lower leg.
External Rotation
ACTIVE:
Ask the client to rotate the thigh outward.
PASSIVE:
Support the leg and gently move the hip into external rotation.
RESISTED:
Client attempts external rotation while resistance is applied against the lower leg.
ASSESSMENT FLOW
A simple assessment sequence
Observe→Active ROM→Passive ROM→Resisted ROM→Compare sides→Special Tests
Use findings from the history, observation and ROM testing together rather than relying on a single test.
Special Tests
Special Tests
Use orthopaedic tests when the history and ROM findings suggest that a more specific structure or movement needs to be assessed.
Thomas Test
Hip flexor / rectus femoris
Ober's Test
Iliotibial band / TFL
FABER Test
Hip joint / groin symptoms
FADIR Test
Hip joint / possible impingement-related symptoms
QUICK REVIEW
Quick Review
History→Observation→Active ROM→Passive ROM→Resisted ROM→Special Tests→Treatment Planning
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Test Yourself
1. Who moves the hip during Active ROM?
2. Which ROM type is most useful for assessing end feel?
3. Pain during resisted hip movement may suggest involvement of:
4. Hip ROM findings should be interpreted:
ROM findings should be interpreted together with the client's history, symptoms and other assessment findings. This guide is for educational revision and is not a substitute for diagnosis or professional clinical judgement.
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