College
College of Health Professions
Date of Last Revision
2025-04-26 12:11:32
Major
Exercise Science
Honors Course
EXER 430-002
Number of Credits
2
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2025
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of gluteus medius (Gmed) strengthening program on single leg stability in collegiate female soccer players. Given the role of Gmed in stabilizing the hip, improving its strength may reduce lower extremity injury risk. Weakness in Gmed has been linked to conditions such as Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tears and Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). This study investigates whether an 8-week strength program improves single-leg stability, measured using the Biodex Balance System. Thirty-three female soccer players (18-23 years) from The University of Akron were recruited, with 22 completing the study. Participants underwent a pre-test assessing single-leg stability using the Biodex Balance System. An 8-week strength program was integrated into the team's warm-up which included banded lateral walks, side-lying hip abductions, and hip hitches. A post-test was conducted using the Biodex Balance System, with a t-test used as statistical analysis. Significant improvements (p = 0.02 (< 0.05), 95% CI) were observed in single-leg stability scores. Overall stability, Anterior/Posterior, and Medial/Lateral indexes showed improvements ranging from 27.47% - 79.39%. The findings suggest the Gmed strengthening may impact single-leg stability. Future research should incorporate dynamometry to assess direct strength changes and explore the impact on injury prevention. Examining leg dominance and dynamic stability during high-impact activities could further clarify Gmed’s role in athletic performance and injury prevention.
Research Sponsor
Melissa Smith
First Reader
Maggie Kuhn
Second Reader
Rachele Kappler
Honors Faculty Advisor
Melissa Smith
Proprietary and/or Confidential Information
No
Recommended Citation
Bruni, Caitlin and Shansky, Morgan, "Hip Strengthening in Female Collegiate Soccer Players: Effects of Gluteus Medius Strengthening on Biodex Balance Scores" (2025). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 1976.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1976