Adductor magnus: Extending the knowledge – A short review of structure and function

Abstract

Adductor Magnus, the largest single contributor to the adductor group of the medial thigh, is a broad functioning muscle with significant contribution to not only adduction, but extension and rotation at the hip. The aim of this review is to investigate the terminology, anatomical and functional characteristics of AM, particularly its role as an extensor and stabiliser at the hip. AM is anatomically divided into four portions: AM1 through AM4; and functionally divided into two portions: anterior and posterior. Functionally, through a range of activities AM has significant contribution to extension and rotation, and in some scenarios may generate greater hip extension torque than the hamstring group. Rehabilitation exercises should consider compound exercises including hip hinge, squatting and lunge variations to highly activate AM. This review suggests that AM, due to its unique anatomical and functional capabilities should be viewed as a primary extensor amongst a range of tasks and as such, injury identification and rehabilitation should include extension-based testing and resistance exercises to ensure optimal outcomes.