Comparative effects of 6-week balance, gluteus medius strength, and combined programs on dynamic postural control.

CONTEXT There are few outcomes-based studies that address hip strategy and gluteus medius strength (GMS) for maintaining dynamic postural control. OBJECTIVE To determine whether GMS training, proprioception training, or a combination of the 2 has an effect on dynamic postural control. DESIGN Pretest-posttest, repeated measures. SETTING Sports-medicine clinic. PARTICIPANTS 48 healthy male and female college students obtained via sample of convenience. INTERVENTIONS Three 6-wk programs including exercises for proprioception, GMS, and combined. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES Eight Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) reach distances and GMS for the dominant leg. RESULTS There was no significant difference between groups. The combination group demonstrated the most improvements in SEBT reach distances, whereas the GMS group demonstrated the most improvement in GMS. CONCLUSION Use of exercises for proprioception, GMS, or a combination of the 2 will help improve dynamic postural control in healthy, active individuals.