From the Guidelines
The gluteus medius muscle primarily controls lateral leg raises. This muscle is located on the outer surface of the pelvis and functions as the main abductor of the hip, allowing you to move your leg away from the midline of your body. When performing a lateral leg raise, the gluteus medius contracts to lift the leg sideways while keeping it straight. The gluteus minimus also assists in this movement, working alongside the gluteus medius, as evidenced by studies examining the anatomy and function of peritrochanteric structures, including the gluteus minimus and medius muscles 1. Additionally, the tensor fasciae latae contributes to the exercise, especially during the initial phase of the movement. For proper execution of lateral leg raises, maintain a straight spine and avoid leaning to compensate for weak abductors. This exercise is particularly beneficial for hip stability, which is crucial for walking, running, and preventing knee injuries. Strengthening these muscles can improve balance, posture, and athletic performance while potentially reducing lower back and knee pain by ensuring proper alignment of the lower extremities during movement. Key points to consider when performing lateral leg raises include:
- Maintaining proper form to avoid injury
- Engaging the gluteus medius and minimus muscles
- Avoiding overcompensation with other muscles
- Incorporating the exercise into a comprehensive workout routine to improve overall hip stability and athletic performance, as supported by recent studies on hip anatomy and function 1.
From the Research
Muscle Control for Lateral Leg Raises
The muscles responsible for controlling lateral leg raises are part of the hip abductor group. Key muscles involved in this movement include:
- Gluteus medius
- Gluteus minimus
- Tensor fasciae latae (TFL)
Function of Each Muscle
Each of these muscles plays a distinct role in hip abduction and stabilization:
- Gluteus Medius: This muscle is formed of three distinct parts and is responsible for stabilizing the hip joint during the initial phase of the gait cycle and initiating pelvic rotation 2, 3.
- Gluteus Minimus: Functions as a primary hip stabilizer during the mid- and late phases of the gait cycle 3.
- Tensor Fasciae Latae (TFL): Has the primary function of balancing the weight of the body and the non-weight-bearing leg during walking, and helps fix the hip and femur together during the stance phase 2, 3.
Evidence from Studies
Studies have shown that these muscles are crucial for hip abduction strength and stability:
- A study published in 2023 found that the gluteus minimus volume was strongly related to abductor muscle strength in patients with hip osteoarthritis 4.
- Another study from 2009 described the functional anatomy of hip abductors, including the attachments, directions, and orientations of the fibers of the TFL, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus muscles 2.
- Research from 2020 compared muscle size and quality in women with greater trochanteric pain syndrome to asymptomatic controls, finding significantly smaller muscle volumes in the symptomatic group for the gluteus medius and minimus, but not the TFL 5.
- A 1989 study described the functional anatomy of the TFL and gluteus medius and minimus, highlighting their roles in balancing the weight of the body and stabilizing the hip joint during gait 3.
- A 2017 study compared muscle activation during gait in post-menopausal women with and without greater trochanteric pain syndrome, finding increased segmental gluteal muscle activation in the symptomatic group 6.