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

When it comes to knee valgus during the overhead squat, the gluteus maximus and medius are key players that are often underactive. Knee valgus occurs when the knees collapse inward as the individual squats, which can compromise the integrity of the movement and lead to inefficiencies or potential injuries.

The gluteus maximus and medius are crucial for stabilizing the hip and controlling the alignment of the knee joint. When these muscles are underactive, they fail to provide the necessary stability, allowing the knees to move inward instead of remaining in an optimal position. This underactivity can lead to improper movement mechanics and can predispose the individual to injuries, especially in activities that involve knee flexion and extension.

In contrast, the other muscle groups listed do not play the same critical role in knee alignment during an overhead squat. For instance, while the quadriceps and hamstrings are important for leg movement, they are not primarily responsible for preventing knee valgus. Adductors and hip flexors mainly contribute to hip and thigh movement but do not actively stabilize the knee during a squat. The erector spinae and trapezius are involved in spinal and upper body stability, respectively, and do not directly influence the knee position.