• Nam SJ
• Oh DW

• Electromyography
• Exercise Therapy
• Female
• Hip / physiopathology
• Isometric Contraction / physiology
• Muscle Weakness / rehabilitation
• Posture / physiology

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of 3 hip abduction exercises in the side-lying position on electromyography activities of the lumbopelvic muscles in young females with weak hip abductor.

Methods: Twenty-one females with weakness of the gluteus medius (GMed) volunteered for this study. Participants performed the 3 exercises in side-lying position: (1) side-lying hip abduction exercise, (2) clam exercise, and (3) side-bridge exercise. Surface electromyography data were collected from the GMed, quadratus lumborum (QL), gluteus maximus, and tensor fascia latae.

Results: The clam exercise showed significantly less active for the GMed (25.67 ± 13.78% maximal voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC]) and QL (31.29 ± 20.69%MVIC) compared to side-lying hip abduction exercise (GMed: 54.38 ± 18.61%MVIC and QL: 79.90 ± 36.96%MVIC) and side-bridge exercise (GMed: 66.67 ± 39.50%MVIC and QL: 121.62 ± 31.72%MVIC) (P < .05). Side-lying hip abduction exercise showed significantly less active QL compared to side-bridge exercise (P < .05). Furthermore, the GMed/QL ratio was significantly lower for the side-bridge exercise than for the other 2 exercises (P < .05).

Conclusion: These findings indicate that side-lying hip abduction exercise and clam exercise may be beneficial to facilitate the efficient use of lumbopelvic muscles. In addition, the activity of the GMed during side-lying hip abduction exercise seems to be more acceptable for strengthening.

Author keywords: Exercise; hip joint; muscle weakness. 

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