This assessment test was originally developed by Dr. Vladimir Janda.
With hip extension, there is an ideal firing order of muscles:
- Hamstrings
- Glutes
- Opposite side Erector Spinae
- Same side Erector Spinae
Variations in this firing order may be a factor in low back pain. If the glutes are not activating, the muscles in the lower back will be more involved in hip extension.
If the hip flexors are tight, the glutes may be inhibited, so it is essential to stretch the hip flexors before activating the glutes.
Technique
With your client prone, place your thumbs and fingers on the hamstrings, glutes, and erector spinae muscles on both sides in the lumbar area.
Ask your client to raise their straight leg towards the ceiling. Notice which muscles activate first for this movement. If you don’t see or feel which activates first, you can ask your client if there was any discomfort when raising their leg. If they report lower back pain, they were likely firing the erector spinae muscles first. If your client bends their knee, it indicates hamstring dominance over the gluteus maximus.
After assessing the firing order, you can stretch the hip flexors, then do glute activation.
Glute Activation – Dynamic Gamma Motor Neuron Technique
Have your client in a position where the Gluteus Maximus is in a shortened position – hip slightly abducted and femur externally rotated. Quickly press into the glutes with your fists from opposite directions, pressing the muscle fibers toward the center of the muscle. This activates the gamma motor neurons and shortens the muscle spindles. Do this for 20 – 30 seconds. Then have your client raise their leg toward the ceiling. They are often surprised at how much easier it is to lift their leg and how much more strength they have.
Related Techniques: