In the sitting position, which muscle groups are commonly at risk for contractures?

• A. Shoulder adductors, extensors, and internal rotators
• B. Hip flexors, adductors, and internal rotators
• C. Knee flexors
• D. Forearm, elbow, wrist, and finger contractures can develop, depending on the position used

Answer: (B)

Prolonged sitting tends to hold the hip in flexion, adduction, and often internal rotation. When a muscle stays shortened for a long time, its fibers lose length and the surrounding connective tissue stiffens, creating a fixed limitation called a contracture. The hip flexors (like the iliopsoas and rectus femoris) are shortened with hip flexion. The hip adductors (adductor longus, brevis, magnus, and gracilis) shorten with adduction. The internal rotators (such as the tensor fasciae latae and certain gluteal fibers) shorten with internal rotation. Because these muscle groups are consistently held in shortened positions when seated, they’re commonly at risk for contractures. While knee flexors or upper-extremity muscles can develop contractures with particular seating or activities, the strongest and most typical risk in a sitting posture is the combination of hip flexors, adductors, and internal rotators.