The D2 flexion pattern of the hip engages which muscle groups?

The D2 flexion pattern of the hip engages which muscle groups?

• A. Abductors only
• B. Flexors only
• C. External rotators only
• D. Abductors, Flexors, and External rotators

Answer: (D)

In this pattern, the hip moves with a combination of flexion, abduction, and external rotation. That means three muscle groups are actively recruited: the flexors to lift the thigh, the abductors to move the leg away from the midline, and the external rotators to rotate the thigh outward. The D2 flexion pattern is classically described as an “up and out” diagonal movement, which inherently requires all three groups working together. If you only used one group (abductors, or flexors, or external rotators), you’d miss one component of the movement, so none of the single-group options fully describe the pattern. Hence, abductors, flexors, and external rotators together best explain the D2 hip flexion pattern.

In this pattern, the hip moves with a combination of flexion, abduction, and external rotation. That means three muscle groups are actively recruited: the flexors to lift the thigh, the abductors to move the leg away from the midline, and the external rotators to rotate the thigh outward. The D2 flexion pattern is classically described as an “up and out” diagonal movement, which inherently requires all three groups working together. If you only used one group (abductors, or flexors, or external rotators), you’d miss one component of the movement, so none of the single-group options fully describe the pattern. Hence, abductors, flexors, and external rotators together best explain the D2 hip flexion pattern.