Effects of modified hip airplane exercise on gluteal muscle activation in healthy individuals

Background Previous studies have investigated traditional gluteal strengthening exercises, such as single-leg squats and pelvic drops, research on gluteal muscle activation during the hip airplane exercise remains limited. Moreover, the traditional hip airplane exercise requires a high degree of motor control, making it a challenging and advanced movement. Objective To compare muscle activation during the hip airplane exercise, the modified hip airplane exercise, and traditional gluteal exercises, including the single-leg squat and pelvic drop Methods Twenty healthy adult males participated in the study. Electromyography (EMG) activity of the gluteus maximus (Gmax), gluteus medius (Gmed), and tensor fasciae latae (TFL) was measured during all four exercises using a wireless surface EMG system. Results Gmax activity was significantly higher during the single-leg squat than during the other exercises (p < 0.05). Gmed activity was significantly higher during the modified and original hip airplane exercise compared to the other traditional gluteal exercises (p < 0.05). TFL activity was highest during the pelvic drop exercise but significantly lower during the modified hip airplane exercise than in the other exercises (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the Gmed/TFL ratio was significantly higher in the modified hip airplane exercise than in the other exercises (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in Gmax or Gmed activation between the hip airplane and modified hip airplane exercises. Conclusion These findings suggest that the modified hip airplane exercise is more effective at activating the Gmed while minimizing TFL activity compared to the hip airplane exercise and traditional gluteal exercises. Therefore, the modified hip airplane exercise is useful for strengthening the gluteal muscles, which may help prevent various lower extremity musculoskeletal disorders.