Influence of Hip Joint Position on Muscle Activity during Prone Hip Extension with Knee Flexion

[Purpose] This study investigated the selective activation of the gluteus maximus during a prone hip extension with knee flexion exercise, with the hip joint in different positions. [Subjects] The subjects were 21 healthy, male volunteers. [Methods] Activities of the right gluteus maximus, right hamstrings, bilateral lumbar erector spinae, and bilateral lumbar multifidus were measured using surface electromyography during a prone hip extension with knee flexion exercise. Measurements were made with the hip joint in each of 3 positions: (1) a neutral hip joint position, (2) an abduction hip joint position, and (3) an abduction with external rotation hip joint position. [Results] Gluteus maximus activity was significantly higher when the hip was in the abduction with external rotation hip joint position than when it was in the neutral hip joint and abduction hip joint positions. Gluteus maximus activity was also significantly higher in the abduction hip joint position than in the neutral hip joint position. Hamstring activity was significantly lower when the hip was in the abduction with external rotation hip joint position than when it was in the neutral hip joint and abduction hip joint positions. [Conclusion] Abduction and external rotation of the hip during prone hip extension with knee flexion exercise selectively activates the gluteus maximus.Key words: Prone hip extension with knee flexion, Hip joint position, Electromyography     

Effect of abduction and external rotation of the hip joint on muscle onset time during prone hip extension with knee flexion

[Purpose] This study investigated the effect of hip position on muscle onset time during prone hip extension with knee flexion. [Subjects] The study included 21 healthy male volunteers. [Methods] Muscle onset times of the right gluteus maximus, right hamstrings, bilateral lumbar erector spinae, and bilateral lumbar multifidus were measured using surface electromyography during right hip extension with knee flexion in the prone position. Measurements were made with the hip in 3 positions: (1) neutral, (2) abduction, and (3) abduction and external rotation. [Results] Gluteus maximus onset relative to the hamstrings was significantly earlier with hip abduction and with hip abduction and external rotation compared with that with the hip in the neutral position. Gluteus maximus onset relative to the hamstrings was significantly earlier with hip abduction and external rotation compared with that with hip abduction. The bilateral multifidus and left lumbar erector spinae onset times relative to the hamstrings were significantly earlier with hip abduction and external rotation compared with those with hip abduction and with the hip in the neutral position. [Conclusion] Abduction and external rotation of the hip during prone hip extension with knee flexion is effective for advancing the onset times of the gluteus maximus, bilateral multifidus, and contralateral lumbar erector spinae.Key words: Prone hip extension with knee flexion, Hip joint position, Muscle onset time     

Activation of the gluteus maximus,gluteus medius and tensor fascia lata muscles during hip internal and external rotation exercises at three hip flexion postures

BackgroundHip internal and external rotation exercises are usually performed in clinical practice. However, given the synergies required to stabilize the hip in the frontal plane, it is not clear how the activation of target muscles will differ between the two exercise directions.ObjectiveI) Compare the activation of the upper and lower fibers of gluteus maximus (GMax), gluteus medius (GMed) and tensor fascia lata muscles between the hip internal and external rotation exercises; ii) Compare the maximal isometric force between hip internal and external rotation exercises and; iii) Assess the effect of varying hip flexion angles on muscle activation and maximal isometric force.Study designA cross sectional study.MethodsElectromyography and force production of twenty-one participants were measured during maximum isometric hip internal and external rotation in three postures: 0°, 45° and 90° of hip flexion.ResultsMANOVA results showed a larger activation of the GMed, tensor fascia lata and upper GMax (p < .001) for hip internal rotation compared to external rotation regardless of hip flexion angle. For the lower GMax, the same was observed when the hip was kept at 90° of flexion. Maximal isometric force during hip external rotation was greater than during hip internal rotation at 0° posture, and lower at 90° posture (p < .001).ConclusionThe gluteus and the tensor fascia lata muscles were substantially recruited during the hip internal rotation exercise, and barely recruited during the hip external rotation exercise. Hip flexion influences the myoeletric activity and isometric force production during the internal rotation exercise.     

How Different Knee Flexion Angles Influence the Hip Extensor in the Prone Position

[Purpose] The present study examined the effects of knee flexion angle on hip extensor muscle activity. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty healthy subjects maintained knee flexion angles of 0°, 30°, 60°, 90° and 110° in the prone position and performed maximal voluntary contraction in hip extension. Maximum torque in hip extension at the different angles was measured, and surface electromyogram activities of the gluteus maximus (GM), biceps femoris (BF) and semitendinosus (ST) were recorded and normalized by the maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). [Results] The maximum torque of the hip extensor showed significant decreases between 0°and 60°, 90° and 110° of knee flexion. The muscle activity of BF was significantly high at 0°, and GM showed a significantly higher activity than both BF and ST at 60°, 90°and 110° of knee flexion. [Conclusion] The maximum torque in hip extension and muscle activities of BF and ST were significantly high at 0° but they decreased at knee flexion angles of more than 60°. Therefore, we consider that more than 60° of knee joint flexion is required to increase GM activity, and to reduce the muscle activities of BF and ST.Key words: Gluteus maximus, Hamstring muscle, Prone hip extension     

Comparison of trunk and hip muscle activity during different degrees of lumbar and hip extension

[Purpose] This study compared the activity of trunk and hip muscles during different degrees of lumbar and hip extension. [Subjects] The study enrolled 18 participants. [Methods] Two exercises (hip and lumbar extension) and two ranges (180° and <180°) were studied. [Results] Differences in degree of extension affected the percentage maximal voluntary isometric contraction of the lumbar erector spinae and biceps femoris muscles, with significantly higher average values at >180° than at 180° lumbar extension. No significant differences were found in gluteus maximus activity according to exercise type or range. [Conclusion] Hip extension may be more effective and safer for lumbar rehabilitation than lumbar extension.Key words: EMG, Hip extension, Lumbar extension     

The association between degenerative hip joint pathology and size of the gluteus maximus and tensor fascia lata muscles

The aim of this study was to obtain, using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), muscle volume measurements for the gluteus maximus (upper: UGM and lower: LGM portions) and tensor fascia lata (TFL) muscles in both healthy subjects (n = 12) and those with unilateral osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip (mild: n = 6, and advanced: n = 6). While control group subjects were symmetrical between sides for the muscles measured, subjects with hip joint pathology showed asymmetry in GM muscle volume dependent on stage of pathology. The LGM demonstrated atrophy around the affected hip in subjects with advanced pathology (p < 0.05), however asymmetry of the UGM (p < 0.01) could be attributed largely to hypertrophy on the unaffected side, based on between group comparisons of muscle volume. TFL showed no significant asymmetry, or difference compared to the normal control group. This study highlights the functional separation of UGM and LGM, and the similarities of the UGM and TFL, both superficial abductors appearing to maintain their size around the affected hip. Further research is required to determine the specific changes occurring in the deeper abductor muscles. This information may assist in the development of more targeted and effective exercise programmes in the management of OA of the hip.     

The Effects of Knee Joint and Hip Abduction Angles on the Activation of Cervical and Abdominal Muscles during Bridging Exercises

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the flexion angle of the knee joint and the abduction angle of the hip joint on the activation of the cervical region and abdominal muscles. [Subjects] A total of 42 subjects were enrolled 9 males and 33 females. [Methods] The bridging exercise in this study was one form of exercise with a knee joint flexion angle of 90°. Based on this, a bridging exercise was conducted at the postures of abduction of the lower extremities at 0, 5, 10, and 15°. [Result] The changes in the knee joint angle and the hip abduction angle exhibited statistically significant effects on the cervical erector spinae, adductor magnus, and gluteus medius muscles. The abduction angles did not result in statistically significant effects on the upper trapezium, erector spinae, external oblique, and rectus abdominis muscles. However, in relation to the knee joint angles, during the bridging exercise, statistically significant results were exhibited. [Conclusion] When patients with both cervical and back pain do a bridging exercise, widening the knee joint angle would reduce cervical and shoulder muscle activity through minimal levels of abduction, permitting trunk muscle strengthening with reduced cervical muscle activity. This method would be helpful for strengthening trunk muscles in a selective manner.Key words: Bridging exercise, Knee and hip joint angle, Muscle activation     

Hip abduction machine is better than free weights to target the gluteus medius while minimizing tensor fascia latae activation

IntroductionChanges in the lower extremities’ biomechanics are associated with gluteus medius (GMed) weakness and increased tensor fascia latae (TFL) activation.ObjectiveTo determine which exercises produce greater GMed activity while minimizing TFL activation during the concentric and eccentric phases of three single-joint strengthening exercises.DesignControlled laboratory study.SettingLaboratory.ParticipantsEleven males (age: 29.18 ± 4.51 years; body mass: 84.01 ± 14.48 kg; height: 1.74 ± 0.07 m; body fat: 16.34 ± 3.33%).Main outcome measuresGMed and TFL activation and activation ratio while performing ten maximal repetitions of three exercises: side-lying hip abduction (SLHA); clamshell (CLAM) and hip abductor machine (HAM).ResultsGMed activation was greater than TFL in all exercises in both concentric and eccentric phases. There were no differences in GMed activation between the three exercises in both phases. TFL activation was greater in SLHA compared to HAM and CLAM during both phases. In both concentric and eccentric phases, GMed:TFL ratio was greater in HAM compared to CLAM and SLHA.ConclusionsGMed had increased activation compared to TFL in all analyzed exercises. Considering GMed:TFL ratio, if the goal is to preferentially activate GMed while minimizing TFL activation, the hip abductor machine seems to be the best exercise.     

EFFECT OF RESTRICTED HIP FLEXOR MUSCLE LENGTH ON HIP EXTENSOR MUSCLE ACTIVITY AND LOWER EXTREMITY BIOMECHANICS IN COLLEGE‐AGED FEMALE SOCCER PLAYERS

Background

Hip flexor tightness is theorized to alter antagonist muscle function through reciprocal inhibition and synergistic dominance mechanisms. Synergistic dominance may result in altered movement patterns and increased risk of lower extremity injury.

Hypothesis/Purpose

To compare hip extensor muscle activation, internal hip and knee extension moments during double‐leg squatting, and gluteus maximus strength in those with and without clinically restricted hip flexor muscle length.

Design

Causal‐comparative cross‐sectional laboratory study.

Method

Using a modified Thomas Test, female soccer athletes were assigned to a restricted (>0 ° of sagittal plane hip motion above the horizontal; n=20, age=19.9 ± 1 years, ht=167.1 ± 6.4 cm, mass=64.7 ± 8.2kg) or normal (>15 ° of sagittal plane hip motion below horizontal; n=20, age=19.4 ± 1 years, ht=167.2 ± 5.5 cm, mass=61.2 ± 8.6 kg) hip flexor muscle length group. Surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity of the gluteus maximus and biceps femoris, and net internal hip and knee extension moments were measured between groups during a double‐leg squat. Isometric gluteus maximus strength was assessed using handheld dynamometry.

Results

Individuals with restricted hip flexor muscle length demonstrated less gluteus maximus activation (p=0.008) and a lower gluteus maximus : biceps femoris co‐activation ratio (p=0.004). There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in hip or knee extension moments, isometric gluteus maximus strength, or biceps femoris activation between groups.

Conclusions

Female soccer athletes with hip flexor muscle tightness exhibit less gluteus maximus activation and lower gluteus maximus : biceps femoris co‐activation while producing similar net hip and knee extension moments. Thus, individuals with hip flexor muscle tightness appear to utilize different neuromuscular strategies to control lower extremity motion.

Level of Evidence

3     

Effect of initial position on the muscle activity of the hip extensors and amount of pelvic tilt during prone hip extension

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to identify the effects of initial position of the hip joint with changes in the hip joint angle on the respective muscle activities of the bilateral erector spinae (ES), unilateral gluteus maximus (GM), and biceps femoris (BF) and the amount of pelvic anterior tilt during prone hip extension (PHE). [Subjects] Fifteen healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. [Methods] The subjects performed PHE in three positions: neutral, 20°, and 45° flexed hip joint. The activities of the ES, GM, and BF were measured using surface electromyography, and kinematic values for pelvic anterior tilt were calculated using a motion capture system. [Results] There was a significant decrease in muscle activity of the contralateral ES at 45°, and an increase in the GM muscle activity and decrease in the BF muscle activity at 20°. The amount of pelvic anterior tilt was lower at 20°. [Conclusion] These results suggest that a hip flexion position of 20° would have an advantage over the other measured positions.Key words: Electromyography, Joint position, Prone hip extension     

Effects of abdominal drawing-in during prone hip extension on the muscle activities of the hamstring,gluteus maximus,and lumbar erector spinae in subjects with lumbar hyperlordosis

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of an abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM), measured using a pressure bio-feedback unit, on the activities of the hamstring, gluteus maximus, and erector spinae muscles during prone hip extension. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty healthy adult subjects (14 male, 16 female), were recruited. Subjects’ lumbar lordosis and pelvic tilt angles were measured, and based on the results, the subjects were divided into two groups: a hyperlordotic lumbar angle (HLLA) group (n=15) and a normal lordotic lumbar angle (NLLA) group (n=15). The muscle activities of the hamstring and gluteus maximus, and of the erector spinae on the right side of the body, were recorded using surface electromyography. [Results] When performing ADIM with prone hip extension, the muscle activity of the gluteus maximus of the HLLA group significantly improved compared with that the NLLA group. [Conclusion] This study demonstrated that ADIM with prone hip extension was more effective at eliciting gluteus maximus activity in the HLLA group than in the NLLA group. Therefore, ADIM with prone hip extension may be useful for increasing the gluteus maximus activity of individuals with lumbar hyperlordosis.Key words: Abdominal drawing-in maneuver, Hyperlordotic lumbar angle, Prone hip extension     

The Correlation between the Muscle Activity and Joint Angle of the Lower Extremity According to the Changes in Stance Width during a Lifting Task

[Purpose] This study examined the correlation between the muscle activities and joint angle of the hip and knee according to the changes in stance width during a lifting task. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects of this study were 15 healthy students. A three-dimensional motion analyzer (SMART-E, BTS, Italy) was used to measure the joint angles of hip and knee during lifting. An 8-channel electromyograph (8-EMG) (Pocket EMG, BTS, Italy) was used to measure muscle activities of the erector spinae, gluteus maximus, rectus femoris, and tibialis anterior during lifting. The collected data were analyzed using the Pearson-test and SPSS 18.0. [Result] The muscle activity of the tibialis anterior was significantly decreased by increasing the stance width (r= −0.285). Muscle activity of the erector spinae was significantly decreased by increasing the knee angle (r= −0.444). The muscle activity of the gluteus maximus was significantly increased by increasing the muscle activity of the tibialis anterior (r= 0.295). [Conclusion] Efficient lifting is possible when stance width and knee flexion are increased, which results in reduced muscle activity of the tibialis anterior and the erector spinae. Lifting is facilitated when the muscle activities of the gluteus maximus and tibialis anterior are correlated.Key words: Muscle activity, Joint angle, Lifting     

Treatment of scalene muscles with the Ergon technique can lead to greater improvement in hip abduction range of motion than local hip adductor treatment: a study on deep front line connectivity

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the effects of Ergon^® instrument-assisted softtissue mobilization of the upper and lower midpoints of the Deep Front Line (DFL) on hip abduction range of motion (ROM). [Participants and Methods] Forty healthy adults (29.3 ± 6.3 years; height: 175.8 ± 7.4 cm; weight: 77.2 ± 9.2 kg) were randomly divided into two groups and received a single 15-minute Ergon treatment in the upper midpoint (scalene muscles) and the lower midpoint of the DFL (hip adductors) on their dominant side. The non-dominant hip served as a control. Pre-and post-therapy active and passive hip abduction ROM at 0° and 90° flexion was examined using a goniometer. [Results] In both experimental groups, active and passive hip abduction ROM on the treated side improved significantly compared to the control side. Scalene treatment led to significantly greater improvement in active hip abduction ROM at 0° and 90° and in passive ROM at 90° compared to local hip adductor treatment. [Conclusion] The application of the Ergon technique on remote parts of the DFL may lead to a significant increase in hip abduction ROM compared to local hip adductors treatment.Key words: Hip, Deep Front Line, IASTM     

Muscle activities of the rectus abdominis and rectus femoris and their ratio during leg raises performed by healthy adults

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to analyze muscle activation during hip flexion in the supine position to examine the activation characteristics of the rectus abdominis and rectus femoris. [Subjects] The subjects of this study were 20 healthy adults (10 males and 10 females). [Methods] Muscle activities of the rectus abdominis and rectus femoris while raising the leg from 0°–60° were measured in 15-degree divisions and their ratio was calculated. [Results] Statistically significant differences were found in the muscle activities of the rectus femoris and rectus abdominis were found among each division of during hip flexion in the supine position. The rectus abdominis and rectus femoris ratios increased as the angle of hip flexion increased. [Conclusion] During hip flexion from 0°–45° in the supine position, femur motion caused hip flexion. At angles greater than or equal to 45° hip flexion was accompanied by pelvic motion.Key words: Hip flexion, Leg raise, Muscle activities     

GLUTEAL MUSCLE ACTIVITY DURING WEIGHTBEARING AND NON‐WEIGHTBEARING EXERCISE

Background:

Researchers suggest that decreased strength of the gluteus medius (GMed) and the gluteus maximus (GMax) muscles contributes to the etiology of various orthopedic pathologies of the knee. Currently, equivocal evidence exists regarding Electromyography (EMG) activity of gluteal musculature during weightbearing (WB) and non‐weightbearing (NWB) exercise. The purpose of this study was to compare GMed and GMax muscle activation during WB functional exercise and NWB 10 repetition maximum (RM) exercises.

Methods:

Surface EMG electrodes recorded the muscle activity of the GMax and GMed as subjects performed three sets of 10 repetitions of the following exercises: (1) forward step‐up, (2) lateral step‐up, (3) 10 repetition maximum (10 RM) side‐lying hip abduction and (4) 10 RM prone hip extension. The 10 RM resistances were determined one week prior to data collection.

Results:

The GMed was recruited significantly more during side‐lying 10 RM than the remaining exercises (side‐lying, 99.9±17% vs. lateral step‐up, 61±20%; Forward step‐up, 62.7±18.2%; prone, 38±22.2%)(p<0.001). The GMax was recruited to the greatest extent during prone 10 RM hip extension (prone, 100.7±14.5% vs. forward step‐up, 28.7±18.7%; lateral step‐up, 31±19.9%; side‐lying, 38±23.3%)(p<0.001).

Discussion:

These results suggest that performing a 10 RM NWB exercise results in greater muscle activation than two functional WB exercise without load in young, healthy individuals. In addition, forward and lateral step‐ups failed to effectively recruit the GMax at a high enough level to achieve a strengthening stimulus. The GMed was recruited to a higher extent than the GMax during the stepping tasks which might be further augmented if the activity is performed with an additional external load.

Level of Evidence:

III     

Hip Abduction Strength: Relationship to Trunk and Lower Extremity Motion During A Single-Leg Step-Down Task in Professional Baseball Players

BackgroundThe single-leg step down task (SLSD) is a clinical tool to assess movement and control of the lower extremity and trunk. Hip abduction weakness may impact movement quality during the SLSD, however the relationships between movement and strength are unclear.PurposeTo determine the relationship between hip abduction isometric strength and movement during the SLSD of trunk lean, pelvic drop, knee valgus, and hip flexion.Study DesignCross sectional, cohort studyMethodsOne hundred-eighteen Minor League baseball players (age=21.6 ± 2.0 years; n=68 pitchers, n=50 position players) participated. Bilateral hip abduction isometric strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer (HHD), and then multiplied by distance from the greater trochanter to the HHD and expressed as hip abduction torque. Video cameras captured the SLSD, with participants standing on one leg while lowering their contralateral heel to touchdown on the floor from a 0.203m (8in.) step. Trunk lean, trunk flexion, pelvic drop, knee valgus, and hip flexion were measured using Dartfish at heel touchdown. A value of 180° indicated no knee valgus. Pearson correlations examined the relationships between hip abduction torque and SLSD motions.ResultsThere were no significant correlations for position players. For pitchers, on the lead leg increased hip abduction torque weakly correlated with a decrease in knee valgus (r= 0.24, p=0.049). Also for pitchers on the trail leg, increased hip abduction torque weakly correlated with decreased pelvic drop (r= -0.28, p=0.021).ConclusionHip abduction strength contributes to dynamic control of the trunk and legs. Specifically in pitchers, hip abduction weakness was related to increased movement of the lower extremity and lumbopelvic regions during the dynamic SLSD task. These deficits could translate to altered pitching performance and injury.Levels of Evidence2.     

Immediate effects of elongation training using an elastic band on the hip abductor muscles

[Purpose] This study investigated the effects of elongation training on the hip abductor muscles in comparison with the effects of general hip abductor training. [Participants and Methods] This study included 39 healthy male university students. The participants were divided into elongation training and general-weighted hip abduction training groups. An elastic band was used for elongation training, and hip abduction exercises were performed with instructions to extend the foot as far as possible to stretch the band. Measurements were taken before and after training, and the surface electromyographic data of the gluteus medius and the tensor fasciae latae were measured during isometric contraction of the hip abductor muscles. The surface electromyogram data were used to calculate integral values and median power frequencies to compare the effects of training. [Results] In comparison with general hip abductor training, elongation training yielded a larger change in the ratio of muscle integral values (gluteus medius/tensor fasciae latae). [Conclusion] Elongation training of the hip abductor muscles was more useful than general training in increasing the activity of the gluteus medius while suppressing the activity of the tensor fasciae latae.     

An Analysis of Muscle Activities of Healthy Women during Pilates Exercises in a Prone Position

[Purpose] This study analyzed the activities of the back and hip muscles during Pilates exercises conducted in a prone position. [Subjects] The subjects were 18 healthy women volunteers who had practiced at a Pilates center for more than three months. [Methods] The subjects performed three Pilates exercises. To examine muscle activity during the exercises, 8-channel surface electromyography (Noraxon USA, Inc., Scottsdale, AZ) was used. The surface electrodes were attached to the bilateral latissimus dorsi muscle, multifidus muscle, gluteus maximus, and semitendinous muscle. Three Pilates back exercises were compared: (1) double leg kick (DLK), (2) swimming (SW), and (3) leg beat (LB). Electrical muscle activation was normalized to maximal voluntary isometric contraction. Repeated measures analysis of variance was performed to assess the differences in activation levels among the exercises. [Results] The activity of the multifidus muscle was significantly high for the SW (52.3±11.0, 50.9±9.8) and LB exercises(51.8±12.8, 48.3±13.9) and the activity of the semitendinosus muscle was higher for the LB exercise (49.2±8.7, 52.9±9.3) than for the DLK and SW exercises. [Conclusion] These results may provide basic material for when Pilates exercises are performed in a prone position and may be useful information on clinical Pilates for rehabilitation programs.Key words: Back and hip muscles, Electromyography, Pilates     

AN EXAMINATION OF THE GLUTEAL MUSCLE ACTIVITY ASSOCIATED WITH DYNAMIC HIP ABDUCTION AND HIP EXTERNAL ROTATION EXERCISE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background

A wide variety of hip abduction and hip external rotation exercises are used for training, both in athletic performance and in rehabilitation programming. Though several different exercises exist, a comprehensive understanding of which exercises best target the gluteus maximus (Gmax) and gluteus medius (Gmed) and the magnitude of muscular activation associated with each exercise is yet to be established.

Purpose

The purpose of this systematic review was to quantify the electromyographic (EMG) activity of exercises that utilize the Gmax and Gmed muscles during hip abduction and hip external rotation.

Methods

Pubmed, Sports Discuss, Web of Science and Science Direct were searched using the Boolean phrases (gluteus medius OR gluteus maximus) AND (activity OR activation) AND (electromyography OR EMG) AND (hip abduction OR hip external rotation). A systematic approach was used to evaluate 575 articles. Articles that examined injury‐free participants of any age, gender or activity level were included. No restrictions were imposed on publication date or publication status. Articles were excluded when not available in English, where studies did not normalize EMG activity to maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), where no hip abduction or external rotation motion occurred or where the motion was performed with high acceleration.

Results

Twenty‐three studies met the inclusion criteria and were retained for analysis. The highest Gmax activity was elicited during the lateral step up, cross over step up and rotational single leg squat (ranging from 79 to 113 % MVIC). Gmed activity was highest during the side bridge with hip abduction, standing hip abduction with elastic resistance at the ankle and side lying hip abduction (ranging from 81 to 103 % MVIC).

Limitations

The methodological approaches varied between studies, notably in the different positions used for obtaining MVIC, which could have dramatically impacted normalized levels of gluteal activation, while variation also occurred in exercise technique and/or equipment.

Conclusions

The findings from this review provide an indication for the amount of muscle activity generated by basic strengthening and rehabilitation exercises, which may assist practitioners in making decisions for Gmax and Gmed strengthening and injury rehabilitation programs.