Which activity would likely be affected by gluteus medius weakness?

Which activity would likely be affected by gluteus medius weakness?

• A. Running long distances
• B. Jumping
• C. Walking straight
• D. Climbing stairs

Answer: (C)

Gluteus medius weakness significantly impacts the stability and function of the pelvis during locomotion, particularly in activities that require single-leg support, such as walking. The gluteus medius is primarily responsible for hip abduction and stabilizing the pelvis when the weight is on one leg. During walking, if one side of the body is weak in terms of gluteus medius strength, the pelvis on that side may drop, leading to an unstable gait pattern. This compensation may also result in an exaggerated lateral shift of the trunk, causing further imbalance. In contrast, activities like running long distances, jumping, and climbing stairs can engage additional muscle groups or allow for different compensations that may not highlight the weakness in the gluteus medius as clearly as walking does. While these activities may still be somewhat affected by gluteus medius strength, walking is particularly sensitive to this weakness, making it the most affected activity.

Gluteus medius weakness significantly impacts the stability and function of the pelvis during locomotion, particularly in activities that require single-leg support, such as walking. The gluteus medius is primarily responsible for hip abduction and stabilizing the pelvis when the weight is on one leg. During walking, if one side of the body is weak in terms of gluteus medius strength, the pelvis on that side may drop, leading to an unstable gait pattern. This compensation may also result in an exaggerated lateral shift of the trunk, causing further imbalance.

In contrast, activities like running long distances, jumping, and climbing stairs can engage additional muscle groups or allow for different compensations that may not highlight the weakness in the gluteus medius as clearly as walking does. While these activities may still be somewhat affected by gluteus medius strength, walking is particularly sensitive to this weakness, making it the most affected activity.