Which finding is most consistent with gluteus medius weakness during single-leg stance?

• A. Poor pelvic stabilization during single-leg stance
• B. Increased hip abduction strength
• C. Decreased knee flexion strength
• D. Increased dorsiflexion ROM

Answer: (A)

During single-leg stance, the stance leg’s gluteus medius contracts to abduct the hip and keep the pelvis level in the frontal plane. If this muscle is weak, the pelvis can drop on the opposite side, creating a Trendelenburg-type pattern. That tendency for poor pelvic stabilization during single-leg stance is the finding most consistent with gluteus medius weakness. You might also see a compensatory trunk lean toward the stance leg to help balance, but the key sign is the pelvis not staying level.

The other options don’t fit as cleanly. Increased hip abduction strength would not reflect weakness. knee flexion strength is about the hamstrings, not the hip stabilizers, and dorsiflexion range is an ankle/leg motion unrelated to gluteus medius function.