Gluteus Medius Electromyographic (EMG) Activity and Strength Immediately Following Lumbopelvic High Velocity Thrust Provided by a Novice Clinician

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the immediate effect of a lumbopelvic high velocity thrust (HVT) on gluteus medius strength when administered by a novice clinician with brief training. Thirty healthy subject's hip abduction strength and EMG activity were assessed at baseline, following a sham (control) intervention, and intervention consisting of a lumbopelvic manipulation (HVT) assigned in random order. These data were analyzed using the independent t-test with a significance level of p < .05. The results demonstrated no significant difference in gluteus medius strength between the control and manipulation. The results may suggest that a lumbopelvic manipulation, performed by a novice clinician, may not produce therapeutic effects in gluteus medius strength.