NASM Research Institute

Validation of Overhead Squat Test as

Predictor of Muscle Imbalances for Knee

Valgus Collapse Padua, Bell & Clark, 2012

Purpose

• No research demonstrating if functional movement

assessments are valid indicators of muscle

imbalance

• To determine if the overhead and single-leg squat

were able to identify individuals with muscle

imbalances

– Muscle strength

– Range of motion

– Muscle activation

Testing Procedures

Control Group Medial Knee Displacement (MKD) Group

Muscle Strength

Assessment

Range of Motion

Assessment

• Gluteus Medius

• Gluteus Maximus

• Hip ADDuctors

• Hip Internal Rotators

• Hip External Rotators

• Gastrocnemius

• Tibialis Anterior

• Hip ABDuction

• Hip External Rotation

• Ankle Dorsiflexion

(knee straight)

• Ankle Dorsiflexion

(knee flexed)

EMG

Assessment

• Gluteus Maximus

• Gluteus Medius

• Hip ADDuctors

• Tibialis Anterior

• Gastrocnemius

Results

• 4x greater hip adductor activation compared to

gluteal activation seen in people who’s knee moved

inward when squatting

• Significantly less ankle dorsiflexion ROM seen in

people who’s knee moved inward when squatting

• Similar findings for single-leg squat

Summary

• Agrees with NASM’s predictions on muscle imbalances for knee valgus compensation

• Demonstrates proximal and distal muscle imbalances can facilitate movement dysfunction

• Provides insight into corrective exercise solutions to restore movement efficiency

• No other functional movement assessments have been shown to identify muscle imbalances

Application

• Corrective Exercise Model

1. Inhibit

2. Lengthen

3. Activate

4. Integrate

Application for Knee Valgus

• Inhibit

Application for Knee Valgus

• Lengthen

Hold stretch for 30 seconds

Application for Knee Valgus

• Activate

1-2 sets, 10-15 repetitions

Application for Knee Valgus

• Integration

1-2 sets, 10-15 repetitions