Gluteus Maximus Muscle

Authors
Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Figure 1: Muscles of the gluteal and posterior femoral region
Figure 2: Muscles of the perineium (Inferior view)
Figure 3: Hip and Thigh Muscles
Reading list
  • Gmax muscle
  • Neuman
  • MMT

Overview

The gluteus maximus is a primary extensor and external rotator of the hip. The gluteus maximus is a secondary hip abductor The gluteus maximus also plays an important role in stabilization of the SIJ and lumbar spine via its ligamentous and fascial originations

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Origin

  • Sacrum (dorsal surface, lateral part)
  • Ilium (gluteal surface, posterior part)
  • Thoracolumbar fascia
  • Sacrotuberous lig.

Insertion

  • Upper fibers: iliotibial tract
  • Lower fibers: gluteal tuberosity

Innervation

The gluteus maximus muscle is innervated by nerve roots L5, S1, S2 via the Inferior gluteal nerve

Action

  • Entire muscle: extends and externally rotates the hip in sagittal and coronal planes
  • Upper fibers: Hip abduction
  • Lower fibers: Hip adduction

At ≥60° hip flexion, the upper fibers of the gluteus maximus switch and produce an internal rotation torque.

Note

Since the glute max can only abduct with its highest fibers, the majority of the muscle’s force in the frontal plane is into adduction.

Practical function

ROM and intensity will modulate glute max involvement. Hip extension during walking recruits more hamstring activation and miniscule glute max.

Increasing the activity intensity to running or jumping will cause a much greater Glute max recruitment.

Likewise, increase the amount of hip flexion required, such as running up a steep slope will also increase glute max recruitment.

Biomechanics

The moment arm of the gluteus maximus decreases as the hip moves into flexion. The more hip flexion decreases the moment arm of the gluteus maximus and therefore results in less torque.

Length test

Manual Muscle Test

Exercises

A wedge forcing the foot into hyper-dorsiflexion will cause the client to prevent excessive anterior knee translation and force more hip hinge, which will activate the glutes.

  • Single leg bridge (with 90° knee flexion and pushing through the hindfoot)
  • Wall triple extension
  • Bridge (toes up)
  • S/L Hip abduction to high knee

References

1.
Gray H. Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. (Lewis WH, ed.). Lea & Febiger; 1918. https://www.bartleby.com/107/
2.
Betts JG, Blaker W. Openstax Anatomy and Physiology. 2nd ed. OpenStax; 2022. https://openstax.org/details/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/?Book%20details
3.
Donnelly JM, Simons DG, eds. Travell, Simons & Simons’ Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual. Third edition. Wolters Kluwer Health; 2019.
4.
Neumann DA, Kelly ER, Kiefer CL, Martens K, Grosz CM. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 3rd ed. Elsevier; 2017.
5.
Weinstock D. NeuroKinetic Therapy: An Innovative Approach to Manual Muscle Testing. North Atlantic Books; 2010.
6.
Gilroy AM, MacPherson BR, Wikenheiser JC, Voll MM, Wesker K, Schünke M, eds. Atlas of Anatomy. 4th ed. Thieme; 2020.
7.
Jones B. B Project Foundations. b Project; 2025.

Citation

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