Electromyographic and Kinematic Analysis of Musculus Gluteus Medius Activity During Varied Unilateral Weight-Bearing Exercises

International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 074–085

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/000174

Article Type: Original Research Article

Title: Electromyographic and Kinematic Analysis of Musculus Gluteus Medius Activity During Varied Unilateral Weight-Bearing Exercises

Names of Authors: Takeshi Yamamoto¹, Yuki Tanaka²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Functional Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan; ²Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan

Abstract:
The musculus gluteus medius (GMed) is a key stabilizer of the pelvis during the single-leg stance phase of locomotion. Dysfunction or weakness in this muscle is associated with patellofemoral pain syndrome and lower extremity instability. This study evaluated the electromyographic (EMG) activity and joint kinematics of the GMed during four distinct unilateral weight-bearing rehabilitation exercises. Surface EMG electrodes were placed on the anterior, middle, and posterior subdivisions of the GMed in 35 healthy physically active participants (18 males, 17 females; mean age 23.4 ± 2.1 years). Participants performed single-leg squats, side-bridge endurance exercises, lateral step-ups, and the single-leg deadlift in a randomized sequence. Maximum voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC) was utilized to normalize the EMG data. Kinematic parameters were captured simultaneously via a three-dimensional motion analysis system. The side-bridge exercise elicited the highest overall activation of the GMed, particularly within its middle subdivision (64.8 ± 7.3% MVIC, p < 0.01). The single-leg squat demonstrated the greatest activation of the anterior fibers (52.1 ± 5.6% MVIC), corresponding with peak hip flexion and internal rotation angles. The single-leg deadlift preferentially recruited the posterior fibers (44.3 ± 4.9% MVIC) during the hip extension phase. These results indicate that the subdivisions of the GMed are recruited non-uniformly depending on the specific plane of movement, allowing clinicians to tailor exercise selection for targeted hip stabilization rehabilitation protocols.

Keywords: Gluteus Medius, Electromyography, Kinematics, Rehabilitation, Unilateral Weight-Bearing

Manuscript Timeline: Received: June 15, 2026; Revised: July 29, 2026; Accepted: August 18, 2026; Published: September 11, 2026

Citation: Yamamoto T., & Tanaka Y. (2026). Electromyographic and Kinematic Analysis of Musculus Gluteus Medius Activity During Varied Unilateral Weight-Bearing Exercises. International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology, 15(9), 074–085. DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/000174

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