Which muscles are typically underactive with knee valgus during the overhead squat?

Purpose[edit | edit source]

The overhead squat test is a subjective screening assessment used to obtain a general indication of dynamic posture. The test identifies compensatory movements and considers muscles which could potentially be overactive or underactive with the intention of addressing these muscle imbalances.[1] The overhead squat test is considered highly practical and time efficient.[2]

Technique[edit | edit source]

The overhead squat test is carried out with the client in a standing position, feet pointed forward in line with the shoulders, both shoulders flexed to around 180 degrees and with the elbows extended. The client would be instructed to go into a squat position as if sitting down on a chair and to resume the initial upright position. The squat should be repeated five times, while the examiner assesses movement at the main joints from an anterior view and from a lateral view.[1]

[3]

Resources[edit | edit source]

This file contains further guidance on compensatory movements during the overhead squat test.[4]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Clark MA, Lucett SC, Sutton BG, editors. NASM Essentials of Personal Fitness Training. Fourth Edition. Baltimore: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2012.
  2. Bishop C, Edwards M, Turner A. Screening movement dysfunctions using the overhead squat. Professional Strength & Conditioning 2016; 42:22-30.
  3. National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). How to set up an overhead squat assessment. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybBvcJ50UZ8 (accessed 3 March 2019)
  4. National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Overhead Squat Solutions Table. Available from: https://www.nasm.org/docs/default-source/PDF/nasm_overhead_squat_solutions_table_cptpes(pdf-32k).pdf?sfvrsn=2 (accessed 3 March 2019).

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Overhead Squat Assessment: Signs of Dysfunction

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Biomechanics and movement plays a large role in everything we do as humans . Understanding forces and how they affect each individual is a crucial aspect of being a fitness professional . Biomechanics itself can be directly related to the kinetic chain itself . The kinetic chain contains our nervous , muscular and skeletal systems . These all work together and must be in sync to move efficiently. This is why it is good to assess clients prior to exercising . Incorporating preliminary assessments prior to exercise is an absolute must . Granted the potential client has consent from a doctor to exercise , the fitness professional should assess the posture of the individual . After assessing the individual and looking for either lower or upper crosses syndrome , the trainer can then go into movement assessments. The main areas of focus for the coach should be the head, cervical, shoulders, knee, foot/ankle and the lumbo pelvic hip complex (LPHC).

My favorite movement assessment is the overhead squat . The overhead squat offers a variety of details about the client . It’s primary objective is to reveal core strength , flexibility dynamically , balance as well as overall neuromuscular control . When starting the overhead squat , the client should have hands overhead with the shoes removed. The positioning of the head and feet should be straight ahead . The trunk and feet should be kept in a neutral position . After the client is in ideal position, the client can then perform the squat . As they squat , you need to watch from the lateral and anterior positions. The knees should stay aligned with the feet . Some common issues that you may see are low back arching , knees caving or arms falling forward . If the low back arches excessively then it could be some under active muscles of the core , hamstrings and glutes . If the arms fall forward , it could be some under-active muscles of the glutes , erectors and anterior tibialis . If the knees move inward this is typically referred to as a knee valgus or “knock knees”. A knee valgus is a caving in of the knee which is caused by weak abductors and external rotators off the hip . The greater the cave of the knee , the greater risk the client is for a knee injury . Assessing with the overhead squat can help to target these weak areas . The fitness professional can program properly for each client based on their results . Overall the overhead squat is just one assessment I like to include in my own arsenal . Understanding the kinetic chain checkpoints I previously mentioned is crucial . Every person is going to be different . And most likely each individual is going to have some kinetic chain dysfunction . Make sure you have a decent understanding of anatomy . Also study the agonist and antagonists as well . This will help you as an athlete , coach , trainer in the long run . You will be able to help yourself and others much efficiently. The goal for general fitness and high level athletes should be the same . That overall mission is to decrease the chance of an injury and work those imbalances to improve performance.

Greyson Loweecy

@Greysonstrengthscs25

Which muscles may be overactive with knee valgus during the overhead squat?

Example: If a persons knees cave in (knee valgus) during a squat assessment the adductors are one of the suspected overactive muscles because they are responsible for pulling the legs / knees together (think "adding" together to remember the adductors function).

Which muscle is typically underactive with knee valgus during the overhead squat assessment?

Knee valgus during the overhead squat test is influenced by decreased hip abductor and hip external rotation strength, increased hip adductor activity, and restricted ankle dorsiflexion (Ireland et al., 2003; Bell & Padua, 2007; Vesci et al., 2007).

Which muscles are typically under active with knee valgus during the single leg squat?

A common improper movement pattern observed during a squat is knee valgus (knees caving inward). This is typically the result of strong hip adductor muscles (located on the inner thigh) overpowering the weak hip abductors (gluteus minimus and gluteus medius).

Which muscle would be considered underactive leading to the low back arching during the overhead squat assessment Nasm?

fitness assessment.