Gluteal and Tfl Muscle Activation Strategies during Band Assisted Hip Rehabilitation Exercise Progressions

INTRODUCTION Clinically, there has been an interest in the relationship between hip and spine function since the first reporting of hip-spine syndrome [1]. This work discussed the effects of a pathological hip joint on spine function. Others [2,3] have suggested an association between low back pain (LBP) and gluteal muscle inhibition as part of the functional presentation in some patients with LBP. A variety of exercises are offered to enhance gluteal muscle activation during functional rehabilitation. Recent studies [4,5] have begun to compare muscle activation levels across multiple exercises that are commonly used to challenge the gluteal muscles. However, there is a paucity of information regarding the within exercise progression, specifically relating to exercise modifications. A critical question for constructing a progressive exercise rehabilitation program is the knowledge of muscle activation levels across exercises and within exercise modifications. This knowledge will allow the clinician to design a rehabilitation program tailored to the patient's capabilities and spine tolerance. This research seeks to understand the influence of resistance band position on muscle activation profiles during two commonly used rehabilitation exercises. The effects of altering resistance 'mini-band' placement (i.e., around the knees, ankles, and feet) during two rehabilitation exercises (commonly referred to as 'monster walks' and 'sumo walks'), which use upright, semi-squat postures during gait to target increased muscle activation of the gluteal muscles and TFL, were analyzed.