[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the muscle activity of the gluteus medius according to treadmill inclination during gait with a vertical load on a treadmill. [Methods] Sixteen healthy subjects were recruited for this study. The subjects walked on a treadmill at inclination angles of 0, 5, and 10 degrees. [Results] Muscle activity of the gluteus medius increased at 5° compared to 0° treadmill inclination, though the difference was not significant. On the other hand, gluteus medius muscle activity significantly decreased in treadmill walking at an inclination of 10° compared to 5°. [Conclusion] Selective strengthening exercises using a 5° treadmill angle could be useful for patients experiencing gluteus medius weakness.
Keywords: Gait; Gluteus medius; Vertical load.