MORE THAN JUST THE GLUTES: Bias movement planes
Often athletes and patients are advised to work on their “Glutes”, and are then given generic exercises to “make the glutes switch on”. We can do better!
Exercise prescription should be based on objective findings such as :
- Dynamometer isometric strength measures
- Rep Max testing
- Movement patterns during functional tests
One way to effectively target areas of weakness is to think in movement planes. For example Gluteal Maximus is both a hip extensor (sagittal plane) and a hip external rotator (transverse plane). Gluteus medius primarily acts as a hip abductor (coronal plane) whilst also stabilitising the pelvis on the weight bearing leg.
Not all muscles have Gluteals in the name either! Adductor Magnus is an effective hip extensor, and the deep hip external rotators work as advertised.
So next time you are working on gluteal strength, perhaps give some thought on what movement plane needs work! The above video shows examples of exercises in each plane, but the list is endless. If you are a basketballer who would benefit from a targetted strength program for knee, hip or back problems, please reach out via email to david@basketball.physio
