ABSTRACTGLUTEAL AND HIP MUSCLE STRENGTH OF PHYSICALLY ACTIVE COLLEGIATE STUDENTS FOLLOWING A SIX WEEK EXERCISE PROGRAMByKathleen Marie ScottBackground: Research has linked weakness in the hip abduction muscles with emphasis on the gluteus medius muscle to injuries in the lower extremities. Studies completed have shown performing strengthening exercise programs with hip abduction exercises helped with increasing hip abduction strength. However, few studies have been performed that have actually measured the amount of strength gain after performing a program.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if a 6 week exercise program (clam shells, side lying hip abduction, side lying hip abduction with external rotation) created strength gains in torque values of side lying hip abduction and side lying hip abduction measured with external rotation with a BioDex System 3. Methods: Three side lying exercises were performed over a 6 week period by 60 physically active subjects between the ages of 18-35. Pre and post program peak torque was measured using a Biodex dynamometer. Results: The findings from the current study revealed that even with a significant statistical value (p = .000) for all hypotheses tested, no clinically significant strength gains were noted following the six week program. Conclusion: There were no significant findings to suggest that performing a 6 week program of side lying hip abduction, side lying hip abduction with external rotation, and clam shell exercises would lead to strength gains for the gluteus medius muscle.
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