Comparative Effects of 6-Week Balance, gluteus Medius Strength, and Combined Programs on Dynamic Postural Control

Abstract

Context:There are few outcomes-based studies that address hip strategy and gluteus medius strength (GMS) for maintaining dynamic postural control.Objective:To determine whether GMS training, proprioception training, or a combination of the 2 has an effect on dynamic postural control.Design:Pretest-posttest, repeated measures.Setting:Sports-medicine clinic.Participants:48 healthy male and female college students obtained via sample of convenience.Interventions:Three 6-wk programs including exercises for proprioception, GMS, and combined.Main Outcomes Measures:Eight Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) reach distances and GMS for the dominant leg.Results:There was no significant difference between groups. The combination group demonstrated the most improvements in SEBT reach distances, whereas the GMS group demonstrated the most improvement in GMS.Conclusion:Use of exercises for proprioception, GMS, or a combination of the 2 will help improve dynamic postural control in healthy, active individuals.