Macroscopic Anatomical Structure of the Gluteus Medius and its Function in Walking

Abstract

The gluteus medius muscle is an important muscle that dampens and stabilizes the lateral inclination of the pelvis during one-leg standing and walking. Defining the internal structure of the gluteus medius muscle, muscle output and electromyographic waveform characteristics leads to appropriate improvement of the examination method in clinical practice and better interpretation of the examination data, and can contribute to improvement and prevention of functional disorders such as instability and fall.Macroscopic anatomical investigations revealed that the aponeurosis was present inside the gluteus medius and divided into anterior and posterior bundles. In the measurement of muscle cross-sectional area and electromyography at the time of maximum abductor abduction, the data were estimated that the anterior fiber bundle mainly contributed to the hip extension position and the posterior fiber bundle mainly contributed to the hip flexion position. The myoelectric potentials of both fiber bundles of the gluteus medius during walking had individual characteristics of the subjects, but reflected the characteristics at the time of maximum muscle strength.

A macroscopic anatomical study of the appropriate palpation zone of the gluteus medius muscle

“…In particular, the number and location of the fiber bundles is controversial. Some studies have reported three fiber bundles segments (anterior, middle and posterior) [9][10][11] , while others have reported two (anterior and posterior) 12,13) . Moreover, quantitative information on the borders of the fiber bundles has not been provided in these reports.…”