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Seated Hip Internal Rotation

Draftmobility80%beginnerlimited evidence
View FHIR resourceFHIR R4 ActivityDefinition — the interoperable form of this exercise

Positions & Range of Motion

Start
seated on the edge of a chair, feet flat on the floor, knees pointing forward over the toes, pelvis level with both sit-bones equally weighted
End
shin swept outward so the foot moves away from the centerline, producing hip internal rotation, knee still pointing forward and trunk quiet
Range of Motion
hip internal rotation from neutral to available end range

How to Perform

Sit on edge of chair with feet on floor. Rotate the shin outward (foot moves out) to internally rotate the hip. Often limited in hip pathology.

Watch on YouTube

Opens a YouTube search for “Seated Hip Internal Rotation

Starting position: seated

Coaching Cues

  1. 1

    Quiet trunk, level pelvis — femur rotates inside the socket

    (verbal)
  2. 2

    Sweep the foot outward away from the centerline

    (verbal)
  3. 3

    Keep the knee pointing forward over the toes

    (verbal)
  4. 4

    Both sit-bones stay equally weighted on the chair

    (tactile)

Evidence-Based Dosing & EMG Data

Recommended Dosing

3×10-15 reps per side; assess ROM before strengthening

Muscles Involved (5)

Primary Movers

Gluteus MediusAnterior fibers — context-dependent primary at flexed positions [Martins 2022]
Gluteus MinimusPrimary internal rotator [Ganderton 2017]

Secondary Movers

Tensor Fasciae LataeActive primarily at 90° hip flexion [Martins 2022]

Lengthened / Stretched

PiriformisAUDIT: Hip internal rotation is the antagonist action to the external rotators; passively stretches piriformis.
Obturator InternusAUDIT: IR passively lengthens the deep external rotators including obturator internus by the same mechanism as piriformis.

Easier Variations ↓

1

Passive IR Stretch

Gently stretch into internal rotation without active resistance. Focus on ROM first.

Harder Variations ↑

1

Band-Resisted IR

Add a resistance band around the ankle for resistive internal rotation.

Target Movements (1)

Hip Internal RotationHip Joint (Coxofemoral)

Why This Exercise Matters

Everyday activities this exercise helps you do — essential means it directly trains the capacity the task needs:

Goals This Helps With

Rehab, performance, prevention, and mobility goals this exercise supports — essential means it's a cornerstone:

Research Notes

Hip internal rotation is commonly limited. Assessment of ROM should precede strengthening.

Evidence Sources (6)