Lumbopelvic Hip Complex (LPHC)

• The Lumbopelvic Hip Complex (LPHC) includes the lumbar spine, pelvis, and hip joint
• The LPHC serves as the foundation for movement and connects the upper and lower body
• Functions of the LPHC include stability, mobility, force transfer, and posture control

Bones of the LPHC

• Lumbar spine: L1-L5 vertebrae
• Pelvic girdle: Ilium, ischium, pubis
• Hip joint: Acetabulum (pelvis) and femoral head

Hip Anatomy

• The hip joint, or coxofemoral joint, is the articulation of the acetabulum of the pelvis and the head of the femur
• It is a diarthrodial ball-and-socket joint with three degrees of freedom
• The hip is the most proximal joint of the lower extremity
• It has the greatest multiaxial range of motion in the lower extremity
• The hip bone consists of the ilium, ischium, and pubis
• The femur is the long bone between the hip and the knee

Function of the Hip Joint

• Supports the weight of the head, arms, and trunk (HAT) both in static erect posture and in dynamic postures like ambulation, running, and stair climbing

Structure of the Femur

• The Femur has a Long, cylindrical diaphysis
• It can be divided into Proximal and Distal sections
• Proximal femur: short neck, spherical head, fits into the acetabulum
• Distal femur: thickens into femoral condyles for the knee joint

Muscles of the LPHC (Anterior View)

• Primary movers of the LPHC include hip flexors, abdominals, and adductors
• Hip flexors: Iliopsoas, rectus femoris, sartorius
• Abdominals: Rectus abdominis, external/internal obliques
• Adductors: Adductor longus, adductor magnus, gracilis

Muscles of the LPHC (Posterior & Lateral View)

• Primary movers of the LPHC include hip extensors
• Primary hip extensor: Gluteus maximus, hamstrings
• Lateral stabilizers: Gluteus medius & minimus, tensor fasciae latae
• Core stabilizers: Multifidus, quadratus lumborum, transverse abdominis

Core and LPHC Stability

• The core (deep abdominals and spinal stabilizers) controls postural alignment
• Weak core muscles can lead to lumbar instability and hip dysfunction
• The diaphragm, transverse abdominis, and pelvic floor play key roles

Functional Role of the LPHC in Movement

• Force transmission: Transfers forces between upper and lower body
• Dynamic stabilization: Maintains balance during movement
• Athletic performance: Essential for sprinting, jumping, and lifting

Core Activation Exercises

• Diaphragmatic Breathing: Place one hand on chest and the other on the stomach, breathe in through the nose expanding the stomach (not the chest), and exhale through the mouth while pulling the belly button inward. This activates the deep core stabilizers.
• "Brace & Breathe" Technique (Core Bracing): Tighten the core as if bracing for a punch, pull the belly button inward slightly without sucking in too much, and maintain a neutral spine, while keeping breathing normally. This builds core stability for lifting, running, and daily movement.
• Pelvic Tilt Activation: Stand, sit, or lie on back with knees bent, tuck pelvis to flatten lower back, and engage core by squeezing lower abs and pelvic floor. The Pelvic Tilt Activation helps correct anterior pelvic tilt and enhances lower back support.