Abstract
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)
Purpose: The aim of this research was to determine whether a series of hip joint adjustments and
gluteus medius muscle strengthening exercises had an effect on gait parameters. This was determined
using the Zebris FDM system plate to record gait characteristics and the Lafayette hand held strength
test dynamometer to measure gluteal strength.
Method: This clinical trial consisted of 45 participants who all met the required inclusion criteria.
Individuals were assessed and placed into one of three groups. The ratio of men to woman in each
group was considered and remained consistent across the groups. Each group had 15 participants and
received one of three possible treatment protocols. Group A received chiropractic adjustment of the hip
joint and attended gluteus medius strengthening exercises, Group B only attended gluteus medius
strengthening exercise sessions while group C received only hip adjustment based on their specific hip
joint dysfunction.
Procedure: A total of seven treatments were attended by each of the participants. Gait parameters
were analysed and bilateral gluteus medius strength was measured at visits one, four and seven.
Objective data was collected using the Zebris FDM system plate and the Lafayette hand held strength
test machine. Once gluteal weakness or a hip restriction was identified the participant was placed in the
relevant group and treated accordingly.
Results: Results showed that certain gait parameters were affected while other gait parameters were
unaffected by the treatment received. Total double support, anterior/ posterior position, foot rotation,
step time, stance and swing phase, gait line length and single support line where all affected by the
treatment intervention. The hip adjustment group affected the greatest number of parameters however
one particular treatment method could not be identified as performing significantly better than the
remaining two groups. The gluteal strengthening exercises did however show statistically significant
improvements in the gluteal strength over time in all three groups.
Conclusion: The results of this study identified a number of gait characteristics that were affected by
the treatment received in the three groups indicating that hip joint adjustment, gluteus medius
strengthening and a combination of the two treatments do affect gait. These treatments should therefore
be considered when treating abnormalities in gait related to hip joint hypomobility and gluteus medius
muscle weakness. A multidisciplinary approach may be beneficial in improving gait abnormalities
including the collaborative input of podiatrists, chiropractors and biokineticists alike.