When assessing a patient with an anticipated hip flexor tightness, what is the best position for testing hip extension?

The best position for testing hip extension when assessing for anticipated hip flexor tightness is prone. In the prone position, the patient lies face down, allowing the hip extensors, particularly the gluteus maximus and hamstrings, to be effectively isolated during the hip extension movement. This position minimizes the influence of the hip flexors and provides a clear assessment of the hip extensors' ability to function without the interference of gravity acting on the trunk.

In this position, the clinician can observe the movement of the hip without compensatory strategies that might be employed in other positions. For example, if a patient were sitting or supine, they might use their back or other muscles to assist in hip extension. Prone testing allows for a more accurate evaluation of hip extension range of motion and muscle strength, providing valuable information for diagnosing tightness or weakness in the hip flexor and extensor muscles.