The importance of gluteal muscle strength in dynamic pelvic stability of fatigued female endurance road runners

BACKGROUND: Recently there has been a rise in female participation in running yet the female population is under-researched in sport specific research. Locally, many female athletes annually compete in numerous ultra-marathons (> 42 km). OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the importance of Gluteal muscle strength in dynamic pelvic stability of fatigued female endurance road runners. METHODS: Fourteen female endurance runners (age: 38.0 ± 10.12 years, BMI: 21.99 ± 2.37 kg/m2, and VO2max: 40 ± 5.34 ml/min/kg) volunteered for the participation of this study. Through isokinetic testing, muscle strength and fatigability of the Gluteus Maximus, Medius and Minimus was determined. Sign tests compared pelvis stability (unilateral Trendelenburg, Pelvic Bridge test and pelvic stability through a gait analysis) before and after an endurance run on a cambered and flat surface. Participants were divided into two groups based on change in pelvic stability after the fatigue intervention. RESULTS: The unaffected group was moderately younger; lighter in weight and had a lower BMI. Additionally, this group was largely more experienced (p= 0.61, d= 1.341); aerobically fit and ran significantly longer weekly distances (p= 0.002, d= 3.4). There was no statistical difference in isokinetic testing of strength and endurance hip flexion/extension and abduction/adduction between the two groups (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the group that was more experienced and ran longer weekly distances showed no change in pelvic stability after an endurance run. However, the group that showed changes in pelvic stability suggests that fatigue could be a contributing factor to pelvic compensation. It is recommended that female endurance runners incorporate strength training to strengthen the Gluteal and Hip Flexor muscle groups to reduce pelvic compensation.