Hip Activation and FSDT

The purpose of this study is to determine if activation training of the hip musculature affects muscle activation and frontal plane mechanics in healthy individuals.Specific Aim 1: Determine whether performance on the forward step-down test (FSDT) changes after an eight-week home exercise program (HEP) focused on hip musculature activation in healthy individuals.Specific Aim 2: Determine whether surface electromyography (sEMG) hip musculature changes following an eight-week HEP focused on hip musculature activation in healthy individuals.Specific Aim 3: Determine whether a dose-response relationship exists between compliance on the HEP and changes in FSDT scores in healthy individuals.Specific Aim 4: Determine whether a dose-response relationship exists between compliance on the HEP and sEMG changes in hip musculature activation in healthy individuals.

Inclusion Criteria:Participants must be current first or second year Doctor of Physical Therapy students in the School of Allied Health Professions at LSU Health Shreveport.Exclusion Criteria:Current knee pain or pathology in the dominant leg, and women with known pregnancy.