EFFECT OF CORRECTING GLUTEAL AMNESIA ON SHOULDER PAIN AND ROTATOR CUFF FUNCTION IN OVERHEAD ATHLETES: A SINGLE GROUP EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Abstract

Background
Overhead athletes frequently experience shoulder pain and rotator cuff dysfunction due to repetitive
overhead movements that place excessive mechanical stress on the shoulder complex. Recent
biomechanical research emphasizes the importance of the kinetic chain in generating and transferring force
during athletic activities. The gluteal muscles play a key role in pelvic stability and force production;
however, inhibition or delayed activation of these muscles, commonly referred to as gluteal amnesia, may
disrupt the efficiency of the kinetic chain and increase stress on the shoulder joint.
Objective
To determine the effectiveness of correcting gluteal amnesia in reducing shoulder pain and improving
rotator cuff function in overhead athletes.
Methods
Thirty overhead athletes with shoulder pain associated with rotator cuff dysfunction and signs of gluteal
muscle inhibition participated in the study. All participants underwent a gluteal activation exercise program
along with conventional shoulder rehabilitation for eight weeks. Outcome measures included the Shoulder
Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and gluteus maximus muscle strength assessment. Pre-intervention and
post-intervention measurements were recorded and analyzed using paired t-test.
Results
The results demonstrated significant improvement in shoulder pain, functional disability, and gluteus
maximus muscle strength following the intervention. SPADI scores decreased significantly, indicating
reduction in pain and improvement in shoulder function. Gluteus maximus muscle strength also improved
following the gluteal activation training program.
Conclusion
Correcting gluteal amnesia through targeted gluteal activation exercises may significantly reduce shoulder
pain and improve rotator cuff function in overhead athletes. Addressing proximal muscle activation may
enhance rehabilitation outcomes and improve functional performance in individuals involved in repetitive
overhead activities.