SENIAM recommended Hip Right

M. Gluteus Medius

Gluteus Medius (Glut Med R)

The M. Gluteus Medius (Gluteus Medius) is a muscle of the hip region. It is responsible for hip abduction, pelvic stabilization in single-leg stance (Trendelenburg), anterior fibers: internal rotation, posterior fibers: external rotation. This muscle is one of 26 with official SENIAM-recommended surface EMG electrode placement. This page documents the exact electrode position, anatomical attachments and a standardized test movement based on Hermens et al. (2000).

Function

Hip abduction, pelvic stabilization in single-leg stance (Trendelenburg), anterior fibers: internal rotation, posterior fibers: external rotation

Opposite side: Glut Med L

Electrode position on the 3D model: M. Gluteus Medius (muscle highlighted, sensor in place)

Preview — open the 3D viewer to rotate the model and check neighbouring muscles. View in 3D Viewer

Electrode Placement (SENIAM)

50% on line between iliac crest and greater trochanter

Orientation: Parallel to line iliac crest-greater trochanter

Source: SENIAM (Hermens 2000) ↗

Hermens HJ, Freriks B, Disselhorst-Klug C, Rau G. Development of recommendations for SEMG sensors and sensor placement procedures. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2000;10(5):361-74.

Recording notes per Criswell 2011, site „Gluteus Medius“, p. 356

Placement type: Specific site The signal originates predominantly from this muscle.
Signal check: Abduct the leg side-lying or standing sideways against a wall; single-leg stance; walking.
Crosstalk from: gluteus maximus · erector spinae

The position above follows SENIAM; the crosstalk and artefact notes apply to surface recording of this muscle in general.

Based on SENIAM recommendations (Hermens et al. 2000). Not an official SENIAM product. See all references → · How electrodes are placed (guide) · Glossary

Go deeper Which Muscles Cannot Be Measured With Surface EMG — and Why → MVC Normalisation — Why Microvolts Alone Say Nothing →

All 47 muscle protocols as a PDF — free

Print-ready for the lab or clinic: 75 pages of protocols (SENIAM + peer-reviewed), plus the SENIAM table, a placement checklist and a sensor comparison sheet as A4 sheets.

Anatomy

Origin Gluteal surface of the Os ilium (between anterior and posterior gluteal lines) Insertion Greater trochanter of the femur (lateral surface)

Test Movement

Hip abduction in side-lying against resistance

MVC reference test (Konrad 2005)

Position: Side-lying with fixed pelvis, or supine; hip abduction. Some subjects reach higher values standing.
Fixation: Pelvis fixed with a belt or manually.
Resistance: Manual resistance or belt against the lateral thigh, abduction against it.
Control exercise: Compare side-lying, supine and standing; take the highest.

Konrad: the hip abduction can be performed in fixed side-lying or supine position.

Konrad P. The ABC of EMG. Noraxon; 2005, p. 32. Konrad describes this test at group level; it applies to all muscles of the group. · Why and how to normalise to MVC

Clinical Applications

Common use cases for surface EMG measurement of the M. Gluteus Medius:

Hip rehabilitation after arthroplasty
Gluteus medius weakness in runners
Trendelenburg sign EMG analysis

Measure M. Gluteus Medius activity live

The electrode is placed — what next? easyEMG visualises muscle activity in real time, with SENIAM-compliant placement guidance, up to 4 channels at once and biofeedback training right afterwards.

In rehabilitation, the Gluteus Medius is typically recorded to track progress and retrain activation.

EMG biofeedback in physiotherapy → What is EMG biofeedback?

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I place the EMG electrode on the M. Gluteus Medius?

50% on line between iliac crest and greater trochanter. Orientation: Parallel to line iliac crest-greater trochanter. Based on the official SENIAM recommendations (Hermens et al. 2000).

Which test movement activates the M. Gluteus Medius?

Hip abduction in side-lying against resistance. This movement is part of the SENIAM protocol for standardized contraction verification.

Is the M. Gluteus Medius a SENIAM-recommended muscle?

Yes. The M. Gluteus Medius is one of 26 muscles for which the SENIAM project has published official surface EMG electrode placement recommendations.