Activation of the gluteus medius according to load during horizontal hip abduction in a one-leg stance

• Published in: Journal of Physical Therapy Science 2015, Vol.27(8), pp.2601-2603
• Main Authors: Lee, Jae-Woong, Kim, Yeong-Ju, Koo, Hyun-Mo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Horizontal hip abduction; Load; Original; Posterior fibers of the gluteus medius
• ISSN: 0915-5287; 2187-5626
• DOI: 10.1589/jpts.27.2601

[Purpose] This study researched the influences of different loads on muscle activity of the posterior fibers of the gluteus medius in a one-leg standing position. [Subjects] Twenty-four healthy adult men participated in this study. [Methods] All participants performed the one-leg standing position under four conditions: the standard no-load condition, in which the non-weight-bearing leg was lifted and kept parallel to the back and then pelvic or lumbar rotation was performed without thorax rotation, and the 0 kg, 1 kg, and 3 kg load conditions, in which horizontal shoulder abduction was performed with a load of 0 kg, 1 kg, or 3 kg added to the hand. The electromyographic activity of the posterior fibers of the gluteus medius was measured using a wireless surface electromyography under all conditions. The electromyographic activity of each muscle under the four conditions during the one-leg stance was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. [Results] The electromyographic activity of the posterior fiber of the gluteus medius was significantly increased under the 3 kg load condition compared with the no-load, 0 kg load, and 1 kg load conditions. [Conclusion] These findings indicated that muscle activation is affected by increases in load in the one-leg standing position. The load on the upper extremity influences the muscle activity of the contralateral lower extremity.