Comparison of Prone Hip Extension Exercise and Prone Hip Extension Exercise after Iliopsoas Stretching on Lumbopelvic Control and Gluteus Maximus Activity in Subjects with Short Iliopsoas

Abstract

Background Iliopsoas-stretching is frequently used to improve lumbopelvic control and hip movements in the clinical setting. However, little research into the effects of iliopsoas stretching in subjects with limited hip extension during prone hip extension exercise (PHE) has been reported on gluteus maximus activity and lumbopelvic motions. Purpose To compare PHE and prone hip extension after iliopsoas stretching (PHEIS) on the electromyographic activity of gluteus maximus (GM) and angle of anterior tilt and rotation of lumbopelvic region and hip extension in subjects with a short iliopsoas. Study design Pre-post intervention comparison. Methods Sixteen-healthy males with a short iliopsoas participated in this study. Electromyography (EMG) was employed to investigate the GM, erector spinae (ES), multifidus (MF) and biceps femoris (BF). The lumbopelvic compensations were monitored by an electromagnetic tracking motion analysis device. In addition, the hip extension angle was measured by the modified Thomas test. The significant difference was compared using paired t-test. Results GM muscle activity and hip extension angle were significantly greater during PHEIS compared to PHE (p<0.05). ES, BF and lumbopelvic compensations were significantly lower during PHEIS compared to PHE (p<0.05). Conclusions PHEIS can be an effective intervention of selectively strengthening the GM muscles with minimizing over-activity of ES and BF muscle and lumbopelvic compensations in subjects with a short iliopsoas.