Gluteus Medius Activity during Isometric Closed-Chain Hip Rotation

Abstract

Objective:To determine whether gluteus medius (GM) activity increases in response to isometric closed-chain external hip rotation.Design:Subjects performed single-leg stances in 3 different conditions: 0° knee flexion, 0° hip flexion (C1); 0° knee flexion, 20° hip flexion (C2); and knee flexed 20–30°, 20° hip flexion (C3). Posteriorly directed forces of 8.9 N (F1), 17.8 N (F2), and 26.7 N (F3) were applied at the lateral pelvis of the nonstance side during each condition.Subjects:20 college students.Measurements:Surface EMG RMS amplitude from the GM and kinematic data from the trunk, hip, and knee.Results:Statistical analyses revealed a significant Condition 3 Force interaction and significant increases of EMG activity from C1F1 and C1F2 to C1F3 and from C3F1 to C3F2 and C3F3. F2 and F3 of C2 were significantly less than F2 and F3 of both C1 and C3.Conclusions:GM activity increases in response to isometric, closed-chain, external hip-rotation forces, and forward movement of the upper body with respect to the base of support decreases GM activity.