Resumo (EN)
Objective– To evaluate the influence of step height during step unilateral execises on the activation of the gluteus medius muscle.Methods– The activation of the gluteos medius muscle of the dominant lower limb during the unilateral step-up with predeterminedheights of 15 cm, 30 cm and 45 cm was evaluated using the electromyograph (EMG System do Brasil) compared to the values foundin the maximal voluntary isometric contraction test. Results– Our results indicated that during the execution of the exercice at a stepof 45 cm there is a greater activation of the middle gluteus when compared with steps of 30 cm and 15 cm (p<0.05). There was alsoa higher activation of the middle gluteus when compared to heights of 30 and 15 cm (p<0.05). In the evaluation of the effect size bet-ween the different heights, a large effect was found between heights 45 and 15 cm, small between 45 and 30 cm and medium between30 and 15 cm. Conclusion– The performance of the lateral step-up on a step of 30 cm can be a safe, stable and optimized strategyfor the activation of the middle gluteus being beneficial in the rehabilitation of the patient with postural instability and weakness ofhip abductors.