The gluteus medius is playing target practice.

We think about the gluteus medius often, mostly, during stance phases of locomotion. But, do not forget about the absolutely necessary function of the gluteus medius on the swing limb. Foot placement of that swing leg is in part dictated by how well the pendulum leg receives gluteus medius control to abduct the leg. When it fails to abduct adequately, a more adducted/medial foot placement occurs. An agreeable balance between the abductors and adductors affords a more pure forward sagittal pendulum of the hinging leg. When imbalanced, from insufficient gmedius and the rest of the abductory team, the foot and leg can target a more medial pendulum swing and thus a more medial foot target placement. Thus, the gluteus medius is important in both the stance and swing phases of gait. We discussed this in the webinar last night. Failure to develop the skill, endurance and strength of the gluteus medius and related complex of muscles will often result in frontal plane pelvis drift on the stance limb, and adduction targeting of the foot. What is this called ? We call it the Cross Over gait and we have written oodles of articles about this gait phenomenon, more than anyone else we believe. It is real, it has economical advantages and similar liabilities. Want to learn more, type it into the SEARCH box on our website-blog. Many people this is a normal gait, how we should all run. We think like most things in this world, there is a benefit and a drawback to things, and it is how you use it, as long as you read the instructions. Sadly, we were never given our users manual when we were born. That is, in part, what we are trying to do here at . . . . www.thegaitguys.com