A Novel Wall Touch-Single Limb Stance Exercise for Dynamic Activation o f Gluteus Maximus - A Cross Sectional Study

Babina Rani; Shivam Sharma; Prerana Berwal; Ritu Shree; Mandeep S Dhillon

doi:10.1016/j.jor.2023.05.005

A Novel Wall Touch-Single Limb Stance Exercise for Dynamic Activation o f Gluteus Maximus - A Cross Sectional Study

J Orthop. 2023 May 22:41:33-38. doi: 10.1016/j.jor.2023.05.005. eCollection 2023 Jul.

Authors

Babina Rani¹, Shivam Sharma¹, Prerana Berwal¹, Ritu Shree², Mandeep S Dhillon³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine (Physiotherapy), Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India.
² Department of Neurology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India.
³ Department of Orthopaedics, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India.

PMID: 37293431
PMCID: PMC10244890 (available on 2024-07-01)
DOI: 10.1016/j.jor.2023.05.005

Abstract

Objective: Gluteus maximus (GM) dysfunction is associated with spinal/lower extremity musculoskeletal conditions. Studies on weightbearing GM exercises that can be used earlier in rehabilitation is limited. Utilizing GM isometric contraction and load transmission to thoracolumbar fascia during trunk straightening under unilateral stance, we for the first time describe Wall Touch Single Limb Stance (WT-SLS) exercise. Specific exercise prescription may be rationalised using knowledge of how upper and lower fibres of GM (UGM, LGM) respond during novel WT-SLS.

Methodology: Surface EMG signals from UGM and LGM were compared among WT-SLS, Step up (SU) and Unilateral wall squat (UWS) in healthy subjects (N = 24). Raw data was normalized and expressed as percentage of maximum voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC). Relative easiness in performing the exercises was scored using Borg's CR10 scale. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05.

Results: WT-SLS had the highest %MVIC for both UGM and LGM (p < 0.0001), suggesting maximum activation of GM in healthy adults by our novel exercise. WT-SLS generated more motor unit action potentials, and had significantly greater activity for UGM than LGM (p = 0.0429). Remaining exercises had no differential activation of UGM and LGM. WT-SLS was perceived as only 'slight' exertion.

Conclusions: WT-SLS depicted the greatest muscle activation, suggesting possible better clinical and functional outcomes considering GM activation and strengthening. UGM was preferentially activated during WT-SLS, but not during SU and UWS. Therefore, targeting GM with our novel exercise may improve gluteal weakness and dysfunction in lumbar radiculopathy, knee ligament injuries; as preventive measure for injury; or for postural correction.

Keywords: Gluteus maximus; Muscle activation; Surface electromyography.