Which muscle assists in stabilizing the pelvis during walking?

The gluteus medius plays a crucial role in stabilizing the pelvis during walking. This muscle is situated on the lateral aspect of the hip and is primarily responsible for hip abduction and medial rotation. When you walk, the gluteus medius helps to stabilize the pelvis, especially as the leg on one side is lifted off the ground. This stabilization is essential for maintaining balance and proper alignment of the hips and lower limbs, preventing excessive tilting of the pelvis.

Without sufficient strength or activation of the gluteus medius during walking, individuals may experience a trendelenburg gait, where the pelvis drops on the side opposite to the leg that is in the swing phase. This can lead to inefficiencies in gait and increase the risk of injury.

The other muscles listed do have their own functions, but they are not primarily involved in stabilizing the pelvis during the gait cycle. The rectus femoris is mainly involved in hip flexion and knee extension, the adductor magnus plays a role in adducting the thigh, and the sartorius assists in hip flexion and lateral rotation, but none of these have the specific function of pelvic stabilization during walking that the gluteus medius provides.