Does Reactive Neuromuscular Training Increase Gluteal Musculature Activation During Squatting Movements? A Critically Appraised Topic

Clinical Question: Does reactive neuromuscular training (RNT) increase gluteal muscle activation during squatting movements? Clinical Bottom Line: The current best evidence suggests RNT may result in acute increases of gluteus maximus and gluteus medius muscle activation when performing the barbell back squat exercise; however, the findings were inconsistent and unclear for other types of squatting movements. Grades B and D evidence exists on the effects of RNT to increase gluteus maximus and medius muscle activation, respectively, during squatting movements. Given the methodological differences and mixed findings reported in this critically appraised topic, practitioners should carefully consider whether using RNT would be appropriate for a given clinical scenario.