Gluteus Minimus

The gluteus minimus muscle, the smallest of the gluteal muscles, plays a crucial role in athletic performance by providing stability and support to the pelvis during dynamic movements.

It functions primarily as a hip stabilizer and abductor, helping to maintain proper alignment of the hip and preventing excessive inward rotation of the thigh.

For athletes, a well-conditioned gluteus minimus can enhance balance, coordination, and power, contributing to optimal performance in activities requiring rapid directional changes, running, and jumping. Furthermore, strengthening this muscle can help prevent common injuries associated with overuse and improper biomechanics, such as iliotibial band syndrome and patellar tendonitis, ensuring athletes can train and compete at their best.

Gluteus Minimus
Gluteus Minimus

Gluteus Minimus

Anatomy

Origin:

  • External surface of ilium between anterior and inferior gluteal line

Insertion:

  • Anterior surface of greater trochanter of femur

Actions:

  • Adduct and medially rotate hip
  • Keep pelvis level when ipsilateral limb is weight-bearing and advance opposite side during its swing phase

Clinical Relevance

In the clinical context, the gluteus minimus is of significant relevance due to its synergistic role with the gluteus medius in facilitating hip abduction and internal rotation of the thigh.

This muscle is integral to the stabilization of the hip and pelvis, particularly during single-limb support phases of gait. By activating on the supported side, it prevents pelvic drop on the opposite swing side, thereby maintaining balance and proper gait mechanics.

Additionally, the anterior segment of the gluteus minimus contributes to medial rotation of the thigh. Dysfunction or weakness in this muscle can lead to gait abnormalities, such as a Trendelenburg gait, and may contribute to conditions like hip impingement or lower back pain, underscoring its importance in both orthopedic and rehabilitation settings.

~ Evidence-Based Exercises ~

According to an EMG study, the exercises that demonstrated significant muscle contractions of Gluteus Minimus are;

    • Hip Abduction-Extension (Anterior Segment)
    • Single Leg Bridge (Posterior Segment)
    • Clamshell

Hip Abd-Ext

Gluteus Minimus

Single Leg Bridge

Single Leg Bridge

Clamshell

Clamshell

< Reference >

  • Keith L. Moore, Anne M. R. Agur, Arthur F. Dalley. Moore Clinically Oriented Anatomy 7th Edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2013
  • Moore, Damien, Adam I. Semciw, and Tania Pizzari. “A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF COMMON THERAPEUTIC EXERCISES THAT GENERATE HIGHEST MUSCLE ACTIVITY IN THE GLUTEUS MEDIUS AND GLUTEUS MINIMUS SEGMENTS.” International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy 15, no. 6 (December 2020): 856–81. https://doi.org/10.26603/ijspt20200856.
  • Greco AJ, Vilella RC. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Gluteus Minimus Muscle.
  • Ganderton, Charlotte, Tania Pizzari, Jill Cook, and Adam Semciw. “Gluteus Minimus and Gluteus Medius Muscle Activity During Common Rehabilitation Exercises in Healthy Postmenopausal Women.” Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy 47, no. 12 (December 2017): 914–22. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2017.7229.

Moore, Damien, Adam I. Semciw, Jodie McClelland, Henry Wajswelner, and Tania Pizzari. “Rehabilitation Exercises for the Gluteus Minimus Muscle Segments: An Electromyography Study.” Journal of Sport Rehabilitation 28, no. 6 (August 1, 2019): 544–51. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2017-0262.