Hip extension is best described as:

• A. Lateral abduction of the hip
• B. Moving the thigh backward
• C. Moving the thigh forward
• D. Rotating the hip

Answer: (B)

Hip extension means moving the thigh backward relative to the pelvis, effectively straightening the hip joint. This action lengthens the front of the hip and is driven by the gluteus maximus and hamstrings, such as when you stand up from a flexed position or drive the leg back during movements like a deadlift or sprint. Lateral abduction would move the leg away from the midline, hip flexion would move the thigh forward, and rotation would twist the thigh within the hip joint rather than simply moving it backward.