NPTE Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Practice Exam

The gluteus maximus muscle is primarily responsible for hip extension. This large and powerful muscle is located in the posterior compartment of the hip and plays a crucial role in movements that involve extending the hip joint, such as standing up from a seated position, climbing stairs, and running.

During actions that require the hip to move from a flexed to an extended position, such as when rising from a squat or when walking, the gluteus maximus contracts to pull the femur backward, effectively extending the hip. Additionally, its contribution to stabilizing the pelvis during activities that involve weight-bearing makes it an essential muscle for overall lower extremity function.

While the gluteus maximus does have secondary roles in hip abduction and external rotation, these actions are not its primary function. Therefore, understanding the primary role of the gluteus maximus as a hip extensor is critical for both rehabilitation and functional movement training in physical therapy practice.