Electromyography Activity of Gluteus Maximus and Gluteus Medius Muscles Using the Somax Power Hip Trainer in Collegiate Golfers

Abstract

The present study compared the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the gluteus medius and gluteus maximus muscles across three common golf training aids. EMG data were recorded using surface electrodes from the right- and left-sided gluteus medius and gluteus maximus muscles during hip rotation from three different exercises: (a) SPHT closed position, (b) medicine ball rotational throw, (c) and resisted elastic band downswing. A total of 11 golfers, six men and five women, performed two sets of 15 repetitions of each exercise. Peak EMG data for each muscle group and normalized EMG values by maximal isometric muscle contractions (%MVIC) were recorded during each of the training sessions. EMG data were analyzed with a repeated measure analysis of variance. Overall muscle activation was greatest for the medicine ball throw, which activated the gluteus medius and gluteus maximus muscles at 51% and 53% MVIC, respectively. Based upon the EMG data from the exercise conditions of the four muscles, the medicine ball rotational throw recruits significantly greater muscle activation for gluteus maximus in the trail leg compared with SPHT closed position and resisted elastic band during the concentric phase of hip rotational exercises. For the gluteus medius muscles, there was no statistical difference in muscle activation between the exercises.