What is Gluteus Maximus Gait?
When the gluteus maximus muscle is weak, the trunk lurches backwards (extension of the trunk). It occurs at the heel strike on the weakened side to interrupt the forward motion of the trunk. This compensates for weakness of hip extension.
The gluteus maximus is the largest and most superficial of the three gluteal muscles. The gluteus maximus has its origin from the gluteal surface of the ilium, lumbar fascia, sacrum, and the sacrotuberous ligament. The gluteus maximus is inserted into the gluteal tuberosity of the femur and the iliotibial tract. The gluteus maximus muscle is supplied by the superior and inferior gluteal arteries. It is innervated by the inferior gluteal nerve roots (L5, S1, S2 nerve roots). The function of the gluteus maximus muscle is external rotation and extension of the hip joint. The muscle supports the extended knee through the iliotibial tract.
