Supine Bridge Exercise in Degenerative and Functional Hip Disorders: A Biomechanical and Therapeutic Approach (Part...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Sports Science
• Biomechanics

Background:

• The supine bridge exercise (SBE) is established for core stability and hip extensor strength.
• Its efficacy in hip joint dysfunctions like femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is less understood.
• Degenerative and functional hip disorders require targeted therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the application of SBE in degenerative and functional hip disorders.
• To explore the biomechanical rationale for gluteus maximus activation and hamstring inhibition during SBE.
• To assess SBE's potential in conservative management and functional retraining of hip dysfunctions.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing literature on SBE and hip disorders.
• Analysis of biomechanical principles related to SBE execution.
• Examination of SBE's role in specific athletic populations and conditions like FAI.

Main Results:

• Specific SBE variations can enhance posterior femoral head translation and hip joint stability.
• SBE can be optimized for gluteus maximus activation, particularly the lower portion (LGM), and reduce hamstring dominance.
• Tailored SBE programs may help preserve hip joint health and mitigate degeneration in athletes.

Conclusions:

• The supine bridge exercise, when appropriately modified, is a valuable tool for hip dysfunction management.
• SBE can be integrated into conservative treatment and functional retraining protocols for hip disorders.
• Preventive SBE training may be beneficial for athletes prone to hip issues, such as those with FAI.