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

Knee valgus, which refers to the inward collapsing of the knees during activities like the overhead squat, is often associated with underactivity in the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius. These muscles play a crucial role in stabilizing the hip and maintaining proper alignment of the lower extremities. When the glutes are underactive, it can lead to decreased hip abduction and external rotation, making it difficult to keep the knees aligned over the toes. As a result, this underactivity contributes significantly to knee valgus, as the inability of the glutes to adequately control the motion can impair overall squat mechanics.

Focusing on strengthening the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius is therefore essential in addressing knee valgus, as these actions can enhance hip stability and ensure proper knee tracking during dynamic movements like squatting. This corrective approach is often incorporated into personal fitness programs aimed at improving squat form and reducing the risk of injuries associated with improper alignment.