National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) Practice Exam

What role does the gluteus medius play in the lateral subsystem?

1. Pelvic rotation

2. Frontal plane stability

3. Hip flexion

4. Core stability

The correct answer is: Frontal plane stability

The gluteus medius plays a crucial role in frontal plane stability. This muscle is primarily responsible for stabilizing the pelvis during various movements, especially those involving weight-bearing on one leg, such as walking or running. When the gluteus medius is activated, it helps to keep the pelvis level and prevents excessive dropping on the opposite side, which is essential for maintaining proper alignment and preventing injuries during dynamic movements. In the context of the lateral subsystem, which includes the muscles that work together to stabilize the pelvis and spine during lateral movements, the gluteus medius is key. Its stability contributes to effective movement mechanics and balance, ensuring that the body can efficiently engage in activities that require stability across the frontal plane, like side lunges or lateral jumps. While pelvic rotation, hip flexion, and core stability are important in various contexts, they do not specifically highlight the unique stabilization function of the gluteus medius within the lateral subsystem. Thus, the focus on frontal plane stability underscores the primary function of this muscle in maintaining balance and proper movement patterns.