During walking, which muscle helps maintain a level pelvis on the stance leg?

• A. Gluteus medius
• B. Gluteus minimus
• C. Tensor fasciae latae
• D. Gluteus maximus

Answer: (A)

Stabilizing the pelvis during single-leg stance relies on the hip abductors of the stance leg, especially the gluteus medius. When you swing the other leg forward, the gluteus medius on the stance side contracts to abduct the thigh and keep the pelvis level in the coronal plane. If this muscle is weak, the pelvis tends to drop on the swinging leg side, producing a Trendelenburg gait. The gluteus minimus also assists in this stabilization as an abductor, and the tensor fasciae latae can help indirectly via the iliotibial tract, but the primary muscle responsible for keeping the pelvis level is the gluteus medius. Gluteus maximus, being mainly an extensor and external rotator, does not serve this role.