Your hip flexors allow your thigh to move toward your pelvic region. When you move your thigh to your abdomen, for instance, several muscles perform hip flexion. You engage your hip flexors during everyday activities such as walking. Major muscles that enable hip flexion include your Iliopsoas and Rectus femoris. In addition to these muscles, your Tensor fasciae latae, Sartorius, Adductors longus and brevis and Pectineus also play roles.
Defining Hip Flexion
Several muscles help bring your knee toward your chest, or, conversely, your abs to your thighs. These are known as your hip flexors. You use hip flexors when you jump or sprint. Common exercises that engage your hip flexors include side kicks, seated leg raises and decline sit-ups.
Key Muscles
Your Iliopsoas has two heads: the Iliacus and Psoas. The Iliacus begins at your iliac crest and is inserted at your femur, or thigh bone. The longer Psoas muscle begins at the lumbar vertebrae on your spine and also connects to your femur. Your Rectus femoris, another key player in hip flexion, is part of your front thigh or quadriceps. Because it passes your hip joint, it both flexes your hips and extends your knees.
Other Muscles
Located on your Iliac spine, your Tensor fasciae latae attaches to your Iliotibial tract on the outer thigh. It often helps rotate the hip during flexion. Your Sartorius, adductor longus and adductor brevis compose your inner thigh. Your pectineus, a small portion of your upper thigh, also assists with initial hip flexion.
Injury and Strain
Your hip flexors may become strained from overuse such as frequent sprinting. Kickboxers, soccer players and cyclists are especially prone to straining their hip flexors. If your hip flexors are tight or strained, you can develop lower back or groin problems. Prevent strain by warming up and stretching before you exercise. If you strain your flexors, relieve them with quadriceps stretches, straight leg raises and hip flexor stretches.
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