The impact of resistance training on gluteus maximus hypertrophy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review aims to examine and synthesize the existing literature regarding gluteus maximus (GMax) hypertrophy as a result of dynamic exercises that incorporate hip extension with external resistance. A comprehensive search was undertaken across the following databases: PubMed/Medline, S...

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Main Authors: Walter Krause Neto, Thaís Lima Vieira Krause, Eliane Florencio Gama
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-04-01
Series:Frontiers in Physiology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1542334/full
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author Walter Krause Neto
Thaís Lima Vieira Krause
Thaís Lima Vieira Krause
Eliane Florencio Gama
author_facet Walter Krause Neto
Thaís Lima Vieira Krause
Thaís Lima Vieira Krause
Eliane Florencio Gama
author_sort Walter Krause Neto
collection DOAJ
description This systematic review aims to examine and synthesize the existing literature regarding gluteus maximus (GMax) hypertrophy as a result of dynamic exercises that incorporate hip extension with external resistance. A comprehensive search was undertaken across the following databases: PubMed/Medline, SportDiscuss, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. Twelve articles met the established inclusion criteria, leading to the subsequent key findings: 1) resistance training exhibits a moderate effect on GMax hypertrophy (11 studies, SMD 0.71, 95% CI [0.50, 0.91], p < 0.00001, I2 = 22%); 2) subgroup analyses of single (seven studies, SMD 0.74, 95% CI [0.36, 1.13], p = 0.0001, I2 = 52%) and combined (six studies, SMD 0.68, 95% CI [0.44, 0.92], p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%) training protocols have demonstrated moderate effects; 3) when emphasizing GMax hypertrophy at the expense of other muscle groups, single exercises, such as the barbell hip thrust, should be prioritized; 4) back squats performed in parallel or full range of motion significantly enhance GMax hypertrophy; 5) leg press machines and kneeling hip extensions can also facilitate increased GMax hypertrophy; 6) training programs that incorporate combined hip extension exercises, whether single-joint or multi-joint, significantly promote an increase in GMax hypertrophy. This study concludes that a variety of exercises—whether focused on a specific joint (single-joint) or encompassing multiple joints (multi-joint)—can effectively stimulate GMax hypertrophy, whether executed individually or in combination.
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spelling doaj-art-8c0cc5a6bbb14c819ded24a5e658765b2025-08-20T03:05:15ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Physiology1664-042X2025-04-011610.3389/fphys.2025.15423341542334The impact of resistance training on gluteus maximus hypertrophy: a systematic review and meta-analysisWalter Krause Neto0Thaís Lima Vieira Krause1Thaís Lima Vieira Krause2Eliane Florencio Gama3Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, BrazilDepartment of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, BrazilMilitary Fire Brigade Group of the Federal District, Brasilia, DF, BrazilDepartment of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, BrazilThis systematic review aims to examine and synthesize the existing literature regarding gluteus maximus (GMax) hypertrophy as a result of dynamic exercises that incorporate hip extension with external resistance. A comprehensive search was undertaken across the following databases: PubMed/Medline, SportDiscuss, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. Twelve articles met the established inclusion criteria, leading to the subsequent key findings: 1) resistance training exhibits a moderate effect on GMax hypertrophy (11 studies, SMD 0.71, 95% CI [0.50, 0.91], p < 0.00001, I2 = 22%); 2) subgroup analyses of single (seven studies, SMD 0.74, 95% CI [0.36, 1.13], p = 0.0001, I2 = 52%) and combined (six studies, SMD 0.68, 95% CI [0.44, 0.92], p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%) training protocols have demonstrated moderate effects; 3) when emphasizing GMax hypertrophy at the expense of other muscle groups, single exercises, such as the barbell hip thrust, should be prioritized; 4) back squats performed in parallel or full range of motion significantly enhance GMax hypertrophy; 5) leg press machines and kneeling hip extensions can also facilitate increased GMax hypertrophy; 6) training programs that incorporate combined hip extension exercises, whether single-joint or multi-joint, significantly promote an increase in GMax hypertrophy. This study concludes that a variety of exercises—whether focused on a specific joint (single-joint) or encompassing multiple joints (multi-joint)—can effectively stimulate GMax hypertrophy, whether executed individually or in combination.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1542334/fullresistance trainingskeletal musclehipmuscle massexercise
spellingShingle Walter Krause Neto
Thaís Lima Vieira Krause
Thaís Lima Vieira Krause
Eliane Florencio Gama
The impact of resistance training on gluteus maximus hypertrophy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Frontiers in Physiology
resistance training
skeletal muscle
hip
muscle mass
exercise
title The impact of resistance training on gluteus maximus hypertrophy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_full The impact of resistance training on gluteus maximus hypertrophy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_fullStr The impact of resistance training on gluteus maximus hypertrophy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_full_unstemmed The impact of resistance training on gluteus maximus hypertrophy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_short The impact of resistance training on gluteus maximus hypertrophy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
title_sort impact of resistance training on gluteus maximus hypertrophy a systematic review and meta analysis
topic resistance training
skeletal muscle
hip
muscle mass
exercise
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1542334/full
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