Role of gluteus maximus and medius activation in the lower limb biomechanical control during functional single-leg Tasks: A systematic review

Abstract

ObjectivesSingle-leg (SL) tasks are included as assessment and intervention strategies in several dysfunctions due to the inherent motor control requirement. The recruitment of gluteus maximus (GMAX) and medius (GMED) muscles is essential for proper biomechanical control of the knee and hip joints. The study aims to identify the role of gluteal activation in the biomechanical control of the lower limb during SL tasks. MethodsThis is a systematic review with searches performed in Pubmed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Sportdiscus databases. Cross-sectional studies carried out with asymptomatic individuals were selected, containing hip and knee kinematic and kinetic outcomes assessed through 3D or 2D movement analysis and EMG activity of GMED and GMAX muscles. Two independent reviewers performed the procedures to select the studies, determine the methodological quality and extract the data. ResultsThe initial search resulted in 391 studies, and after the assessment procedures, 11 studies were included. Lower GMAX activation was associated with greater hip internal rotation (HIR) excursion and greater HIR moment, and lower GMED activation was associated with greater hip adduction (HAD)/knee abduction (KAB) excursions and greater KAB moment during single-leg squat (SLS). ConclusionsThe SL tasks showed a relevant association between the gluteal EMG and other biomechanical outcomes, mainly the SLS task. Interpretation must be cautious, as most studies present high and moderate methodological quality, especially on kinetic data.