College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

During the pre-swing phase, what compensatory action occurs when a patient has weak hip flexors?

1. Pelvis tilts laterally

2. Knee flexes

3. Trunk flexes forward

4. Hip extends

The correct answer is: Pelvis tilts laterally

During the pre-swing phase of gait, if a patient has weak hip flexors, one of the compensatory actions that may occur is lateral tilting of the pelvis. This adjustment happens because the hip flexors are essential for facilitating the anterior movement of the thigh and assisting in the transfer of weight during the loading phase of the gait cycle. When these muscles are weak, the body compensates by tilting the pelvis laterally to support the leg and maintain balance, allowing the individual to complete the movement and prevent falling. This lateral pelvic tilt helps to shift the center of gravity to one side, which reduces the demand on the weak hip flexors while still enabling propulsion and advancement of the limb. Other potential compensations that may not be the focus here include flexing of the trunk or adjusting the positions of the knee and hip, but the lateral pelvic tilt is the most characteristic compensatory movement observed in response to weak hip flexors during the pre-swing phase.