The muscle weakness is present on the side of the stance leg.

Compensation shifts the center of gravity to the affected side, and also decreases the angle between the hip adductor muscles and femur, both of which decrease the forces needing to be applied by the hip adductor muscles to maintain relevant posture.

[citation needed] The gluteus medius is very important during the stance phase of the gait cycle to maintain both hips at the same level.

[citation needed] The hip abductors' action accounts for two thirds of that body weight.

A Trendelenburg sign can occur when there is presence of a muscular dysfunction (weakness of the gluteus medius or minimus) or when someone is experiencing pain.