Squat Movement Analysis

Question 1

What is a potential cause of Knees Moving
a) Inwards During a Squat
b) Outwards During a Squat

Answer 1

a)
- Overactive Adductors & Biceps femoris
- Underactive Gluteus Med & Max
- Underactive Medial Hamstrings or Medial Gastroc

b)
- Overactive Biceps Femoris
- Overactive Glute Med and Min
- Underactive Medial Hamstring
- Underactive Adductor Complex

Question 2

What could cause the foot to turn out during a squat?

Answer 2

Underactive muscles on the medial side of the leg and shank
e.g. Med Gastroc, Med Hamstrings, Gracilis

Overactive muscles on the lateral side
e.g. soleus, Lateral Gastroc, Biceps femoris

Question 3

What can cause excessive forward Lean at the LPHC?

Answer 3

Overactive Hip Flexors (pulling the Pelvis downwards) and abdominal Complex –> Potentially Soleus

Underactive ES & Gluteus Maximus

Question 4

What can cause the lower back to Arch during a squat?

Answer 4

Overactive Hip Flexors –> anteriorly tilt pelvis
Overactive Erector spinae –> causing lumbar extension

Underactive Abdominal Muscles
Underactve Hamstrings –> due to not preventing the excessive anterior tilt of the pelvis

Question 5

What can cause the lower back to ROUND during a squat?

Answer 5

Overactive Rectus Abdominus and EO
Overactive Hamstrings –> Posteriorly tilting pelvis

Underactive ES group –> In a lengthened position
Underactive Glute Max

Question 6

What might be the likely cause of Arms falling forward during a squat?

Answer 6

Overactive Lat Dorsi –> causing extension of the arm
Overactive Pec Major / Minor

Underactive rhomboids and posterior deltoid
Underactive Rotator Cuff

Question 7

What could cause a Forward Head during a squat?

Answer 7

Overactive anterior neck muscles

Underactive cervical flexors

Question 8

What could cause Excessive Shoulder Elevation During a Squat?

Answer 8

Overactive Upper Trapezius

Underative Scapula depressors (e.g. lower traps)

Question 9

What can cause the foot to flatten during a squat?

Answer 9

Overactive Peroneal Muscles

Underactive ‘Sling’ Muscles –> not able to support arch via the sling mechanism (from the top)
e.g Ant & Post tibialis

Question 10

What is the likely cause of the Heel raising during a squat?

Answer 10

Overactive Soleus (causing plantarflexion)

Underactive Anterior Tibialis

Question 11

What is the likely cause of an Asymmetrical weight shift at the LPHC?

Answer 11

Overactive Gluteus Medius on the opposite side (think trendelenburg)
Overactive TFL (Same Side)
Overactive Adductors (same side)

Underactive Gluteus medius (on the same side)
Underactive Adductors (opposite side)