Gluteal gait refers to problem with a person’s walking pattern as a result of specific weakness in the gluteal muscles around the hip. A person with gluteal gait will characteristically have difficulty maintaining a level pelvis when lifting the unaffected leg to take a step resulting in a drop of the pelvis to one side. The person compensates for this by leaning towards the affected side with their trunk or upper body. They may also swing their affected leg outwards causing a waddling gait pattern.
Gluteal gait pattern may be caused by damage to the superior gluteal nerve or obturator nerve which results in an inability to effectively activate or control the gluteus medius muscle.
Diagnosis of gluteal gait made is usually made following an observation of a person’s gait and specific muscle testing. The person may be asked to stand on their affected leg. If the pelvis is observed to drop downwards towards the unsupported side this is referred to as a positive trendelenberg test and indicates gluteus medius is weak.
Physiotherapy can help to address gait problems by providing specific exercises to strengthen muscles and improve the quality of your walking pattern
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