Which muscle acts as the prime mover during hip extension?

The gluteus maximus is the prime mover during hip extension because it is the largest and most powerful muscle in the hip region, specifically designed to perform this action. This muscle originates on the posterior ilium, sacrum, and coccyx and inserts into the femur. Its primary function is to extend the hip joint, which is essential during movements like standing up from a seated position, climbing stairs, and running.

During hip extension, the gluteus maximus contracts to pull the thigh backward, thereby facilitating the extension of the hip joint. This action is vital in many physical activities and exercises, such as squats and deadlifts, where the gluteus maximus plays a key role in stabilizing the pelvis and propelling the body forward or upward.

Other muscles like the quadriceps, hamstrings, and iliopsoas have different primary functions that do not involve being the main driver of hip extension. The quadriceps are primarily knee extensors, the hamstrings assist in hip extension but do not dominate the movement like the gluteus maximus, and the iliopsoas is primarily involved in hip flexion. Thus, it is clear why the gluteus maximus is identified as the prime mover