When gluteus maximus is weak, trunk lurches backward (gluteus maximus lurch) at heel-strike on weakened side to interrupt forward motion of the trunk.
The gluteus maximus is also a strong hip stabilzer.
At the lower border of the piriformis muscle, the nerve turns backward and divides into upward and downward diverging branches, which enter the gluteus maximus.
Surprisingly, however, the gluteus maximus is not important posturally, is relaxed when one is standing, and is little used in walking.
Attached to the posterior side is gluteus maximus which extend the thigh during ambulation.
The gluteus medius is very important during the stance phase of the gait cycle to maintain both hips at the same level.
Hip abduction is performed primarily by the hip abductors (gluteus medius and minimus).
Additionally, with the hip flexed the gluteus medius and minimus internally rotate the thigh.
