Abstract
[Purpose] To determine a method which preferentially trains the gluteus minimus over the the gluteus medius, from the muscle activities of isotonic abduction exercise. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 14 healthy adults. Fine wire electrodes were implanted in the gluteus minimus and gluteus medius, and the integrated EMG values and average frequencies of isotonic abduction exercise at loads of 20%, 40%, and 60% of maximum muscle strength were calculated. [Results] At all of the exercise loads, the muscle activity of the gluteus minimus was greater than that of the gluteus medius, and the muscle activity ratio (g. minimus/g. medius) was highest at the load of 20% maximum muscle strength. No difference among the loads was found for average frequency. [Conclusion] For preferential training of the gluteus minimus over the gluteus medius in isotonic abduction exercise, a low load is best.
