Home Exercises For Trendelenburg Gait

Isolation And Activation Before Function

A simple approach with exercises for Trendelenburg gait is to start addressing the issue with isolated strengthening exercises. This can help enable the individual to be aware of which muscles they are wanting to “engage”. Once muscle activation can be isolated in a controlled environment, knowing where and what activation of the muscle should feel like. The next stage can be to move towards helping improve motor control of the hip abductors. Doing so in more functional, and eventually sports specific situations.

Specific Approaches To Gluteal Strengthening Will Vary

Every physiotherapist will have their own set way with regard to how they like approaching exercises for Trendelenburg gait. Personally, I often prefer to start with a combination both open and closed kinetic chain isolation exercises. In an attempt to develop awareness of the muscles, and what contraction of the muscles should feel like. Then aim to incorporate this muscle contraction into progressively more challenging functional activities. All the way up to a return to play in their chosen sports, and activities. The exact approach obviously depends on individual needs.

Isolated Exercises For Trendelenburg Gait

A few examples of common isolated exercises, known for targeting the gluteal muscles include:

• Clams: A “clam” is a side lying gluteal strengthening exercises. Starting position is with the hips and knees are bent in a degree of flexion. And then the upper most knee is lifted off the resting side. Repetition numbers, hold times and resistance bands can added as appropriate to progress the loading. An easy entry level exercise with simple ways of adjusting to make it more challenging for stronger individuals. Considered to be a great exercise for individuals to feel gluteal activation, and build awareness of the muscle they are wanting to train.
• Side Lying Hip Abduction: Similar to “clams” this exercises is a good isolation exercise for developing an appreciation for gluteal activation. Again resistance and repetitions can be added and adjusted accordingly depending on individual strength levels.
• Bridges: Bridges are an easy closed kinetic chain exercise. The starting position is lying on your back with knees bent to around 90 degrees, and your feet flat on the floor. The movement action is to lift your bottom up off the floor. Then hold a lengthened, level trunk position. Creating a “bridge” shape with your thighs, bottom and lower spine. A bridge exercise can be progressed by again increasing hold times, repetition numbers, and/or adding resistance bands or weights. Another variation is to perform single leg bridge variations.
• Single Leg Bridges: Work well as exercises for Trendelenburg gait by increasing the necessity for additional core control. Requiring hip abductor, hip extensor, and side stabilizer strength on the loaded side. When the bottom is lifted and held off the floor, maintaining a level pelvis level requires good strength and motor control.
• Side Planks: Side planks, including side planks with added hip abduction, or trunk rotation are other great exercises for Trendelenburg gait. Helping to build strength in hip abductors and other trunk muscles, crucial to functional pelvis stabilization. A side plank is an often forgotten exercise when looking to improve trunk stability.

Functional Exercises For Trendelenburg Gait

Functionally, exercises performed in standing are progressions on the above listed isolated exercises. Some examples of more functional exercises appropriate for working on improving motor control and correcting Trendelenburg gait include:

• The simple “hip drop” exercise (as pictured). This is an isolated, closed kinetic chain exercise performed in standing. And is a great starting point for standing exercises for Trendelenburg gait.
• Progressing from the “hip drop” exercise. To single leg squats, and the multiple variations of single leg squats available are fantastic progressions for hip stability strengthening. And enhancing motor control improvements. Single leg squats can be performed with, or without the addition of hand support. As well as the inclusion of unstable surfaces, to both challenge, and mimic instability experienced during life and sport. With functional exercises the use of a mirror for visual feedback can assist optimal form. Using a mirror in single leg squats is ideal when starting out, or at least until subconsciously self correcting and exhibiting good pelvic control.
• Other exercises for Trendelenburg gait employed by physios include; functional closed-chain exercises such as, lateral step-ups and functional single leg balance exercises. Remembering, it is always important to strengthen the hip muscles in general. Not solely focusing on the gluteus medius and minimus.

Disclaimer: Sydney Physio Clinic provides this information as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific advice or assistance on Home Exercises For Trendelenburg Gait should consult his or her personal trainer, physiotherapist, general practitioner or other appropriately skilled practitioner.