"Gluteal Muscle Activation during Common Therapeutic Exercises"

Similar to the Core Muscle Activation article we posted earlier, this research report demonstrates which exercises elicit the best muscle activation during therapeutic exercises. It also has good visual demonstrations of each exercise. 

A few highlights:
-Sidelying Hip Abduction elicited the greatest Gluteus Medius activation, followed by Single Limb Squat and Lateral Band Walking. 
-Single Limb Squat and Single Limb deadlift promoted the greatest Gluteus Maximus Activation.
-Notice the relatively low Glutues Medius Activation the Clamshell Exercise at 30 degrees and 60 degrees Hip Flexion despite being one of the most used Gluteus Medius strengthening exercises we have seen in the clinic. Looking at the graphs in the article, you can also find several other exercises that are much more functional than the clamshell.

Keep in mind how you would progress each of these ex

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Anatomy Review:

Gluteus Medius:
Origin: Outer Ilium between the iliac crest and posterior and anterior gluteal lines 
Insertion: Lateral part of the Greater Trochanter
Action: All fibers help Abduct the hip. The anterior fibers also Med. Rotate and assist with Hip Flexion. The posterior fibers also Lat. Rotate and assist with Hip Extension.
Innervation: Superior Gluteal Nerve (L4, L5, S1)

Gluteus Maximus:
Origin: Posterior Ilium, Sacrum, Coccyx, and Sacrotuberus Ligament
Insertion: IT tract and Gluteal tuberosity of the femur
Action: All fibers extend and laterally rotate the hip joint. Acts as a knee stabilizer via IT tract.
Lower fibers assist in Adduction.
Upper fibers assist in Abduction
Innvervation: Interior Gluteal Nerve (L5, S1, S2)