Thu, 30 Apr 2026 02:06:55 +0000

Why Reversing Trendelenburg’s Legacy Changed How We See Strength and Balance For decades, the Trendelenburg gait—named after German physician Friedrich Trendelenburg—has been synonymous with instability, imbalance, and weakness. Traditionally, clinicians and researchers interpreted this posture—where the pelvis tilts anteriorly during standing or movement—as a hallmark of neuromuscular deficit, poor core strength, or joint instability. Yet, recent re-evaluations of Trendelenburg’s legacy have transformed our understanding of strength, balance, and mobility, challenging outdated assumptions and reshaping how we approach rehabilitation and functional movement. ### The Traditional View: Trendelenburg as a Sign of Deficiency In classic biomechanical models, a Trendelenburg posture during single-leg stance (where the pelvis drops on the unsupported side) was interpreted as an inability to stabilize the pelvis via core and lower extremity musculature. This was attributed to weakness in the gluteal muscles, poor ankle dorsiflexion, or inadequate neuromuscular control—defining characteristics of physical weakness. Therapy focused on reinforcing “weak” structures, often through targeted strengthening exercises aimed at shutting down compensatory strategies rather than addressing the root cause.