NYMC Faculty Publications
Gluteus Medius Strengthening and The Use of the Donatelli Drop Leg Test in the Athlete
Author Type(s)
Faculty
DOI
10.1016/j.ptsp.2013.02.005
Journal Title
Physical Therapy in Sport
First Page
15
Last Page
19
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1-2014
Department
Physical Therapy
Keywords
Athletic Injuries, Hip Joint, Humans, Muscle Strength, Muscle Weakness, Physical Therapy Modalities, Range of Motion, Articular, Rotation
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and strengthen the posterior segment of the gluteus medius.
DESIGN: A technical description of a novel examination and rehabilitation protocol.
SETTING: The gluteus medius, primarily a hip abductor, serves several important functions in the athlete. Weakness of the gluteus medius has been linked to injuries in the shoulder and iliotibial band, as well as ankle instability. Though previously treated as a homogenous muscle, recent studies of the gluteus medius show three segments with distinct function and activation - the anterior, middle, and posterior. Current rehabilitation protocol focuses primarily on the anterior and middle segments, neglecting the posterior.
CONCLUSION: We propose a three-stage protocol for strengthening and rehabilitation of the injured athlete and the Drop Leg Test, which can be used to identify weakness in the posterior segment of the gluteus medius.
Recommended Citation
Gowda, A. L., Mease, S. J., Donatelli, R., & Zelicof, S. B. (2014). Gluteus Medius Strengthening and The Use of the Donatelli Drop Leg Test in the Athlete. Physical Therapy in Sport, 15 (1), 15-19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2013.02.005
