Purpose Isometric training and pre-activation are proven to enhance acceleration performance. However, traditional strength training exercises do not mirror the acceleration-specific activation patterns of the gluteal muscles, characterized by ipsilateral hip extension during contralateral hip flexion. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine gluteal muscle activity of acceleration-specific exercises compared to traditional strength training exercises. Methods In a cross-sectional study design, the peak electromyographic activity of two acceleration-specific exercises was investigated and compared to two traditional strength training exercises each for the gluteus maximus and medius. Twenty-four participants from various athletic backgrounds (13 males, 11 females, 26 years, 178 cm, 77 kg) performed four gluteus maximus [half-kneeling glute squeeze (HKGS), resisted knee split (RKS), hip thrust (HT), split squat (SS)] and four gluteus medius [resisted prone hip abduction (RPHA), isometric clam (IC), side-plank with leg abduction (SP), resisted side-stepping (RSS)] exercises in a randomized order. Results The RKS (p = 0.011, d = 0.96) and the HKGS (p = 0.064, d = 0.68) elicited higher peak gluteus maximus activity than the SS with large and moderate effects, respectively. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between the HT, RKS and HKGS. The RPHA elicited significantly higher gluteus medius activity with a large effect compared to RSS (p < 0.001, d = 1.41) and a moderate effect relative to the SP (p = 0.002, d = 0.78). Conclusion The acceleration-specific exercises effectively activate the gluteal muscles for pre-activation and strength training purposes and might help improve horizontal acceleration due to their direct coordinative transfer.
