Effect of Gluteus Medius and Maximus Muscle Strengthening on Hemiplegic Gait

As gait is the major hurdle in quality of life in hemiplegic, this project emphasizes on the effect of gluteus medius and maximus muscle strengthening exercises on hemiplegic gait. So, the present study was conducted to find out the combined effect of conventional exercises with gluteus medius and maximus muscle strengthening on hemiplegic gait

20 subjects of clinically diagnosed hemiplegic having impairment of gait were recruited. They were allocated into 2 groups and treated with conventional exercises along with gluteus medius and maximus muscle strengthening for hemiplegic gait regularly for 5 weeks. Exercises were given in progression. Primarily passive exercise followed by active assisted in progression for the affected lower limb of that subject was asked to do it actively. The objective outcome measure 2 minute walk test was used to assess the gait pre-treatment and at the end of 5 weeks.

Statistical analysis was done using paired and unpaired't” test. The results showed statistically excellent significant improvement in gait in group A as compared to group B (p<0.001).

This study found that conventional therapy along with gluteus medius and maximus muscle strengthening is effective in improving gait in hemiplegics. Gluteus medius and maximus muscle strengthening along with the conventional treatment shows speedy recovery than the only conventional therapy when given at the sub-acute stage of hemiplegia